Trinity-Pawling Fall 2022 Magazine by Trinity-Pawling School

m a g a z i n e | fa l l 2 0 2 2 Trinity-Pawling School 700 Route 22, Pawling, NY 12564 Change Service Requested

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PAID MILFORD, CT PERMIT NO. 80

STRIVING FOR JUSTICE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BRUCE BIRNS ’70 MIKE CERNY P’17 MICHAEL O’KEEFE ’03 TOUSSAINT C. ROMAIN ’96

COUGHLIN FAMILY LEGACY COUGHLIN CHEMISTRY COMMONS

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Congratulations, Class of 2022! TRINITY-PAWLING SCHOOL HELD ITS 115TH COMMENCEMENT ON SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022 AND CELEBRATED THE GRADUATION OF 73 STUDENTS, WHOM WE KNOW WILL EACH GO ON TO DO GREAT THINGS!

“I challenge you to stay connected with one another and to stay connected with this place. Hopefully, this School and its campus will hold a special place in your heart. As you grow older and your lives grow busier and your responsibilities greater, your time at Trinity-Pawling will stand out as that place or that journey where you were young and where you began to figure out who you are and you were becoming. Your classmates and your friends have been your compatriots on this journey. In the future, wherever you are in your life’s journey, these classmates around you today, particularly your close friends, will be there for you.” — Head of School William W. Taylor

KEVIN MCCLATCHY ’81 CHUKKY OKOBI ’96 DAN ROONEY ’81

LEADERSHIP

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

BELONGING AND BECOMING The past two and a half years have been extraordinarily daunting for students, teachers, schools, and education in general. Among so many other threats, the pandemic created detachment and distance in the learning process. Students and teachers had to adjust to the challenges of remote learning, wearing masks that weakened interpersonal connections and created an overall pall of anxiety that crept its way into the teaching and learning process. At the same time, the country’s escalating polarization has spread a level of tension and distrust that often seems to be an inexorable force — one that feels like a second pandemic all together. Amidst these existential threats to education, the distinctive value of the Trinity-Pawling learning experience has never been clearer to me. The power of community at Trinity-Pawling has always been an integral component of the Trinity-Pawling experience. Its foundational role in the learning process is inherent in the School’s founding as an Episcopal school as well as in the educational philosophy of Dr. Gamage. Time is, perhaps, the most valuable resource for any school, but particularly boarding schools. How schools choose to utilize and protect this resource will reveal their priorities. Gathering for chapel and family-style meals four times a week reflects the value that is placed on the importance of community in the overall teaching and learning experience at Trinity-Pawling. As important as it is to protect time for the community to gather, it is equally important to protect the nature and health of the community itself. This is why the Strategic Vision for Trinity-Pawling focuses on the importance of belonging as a strategic priority. Everyone, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religious background, political views, sexual orientation, etc., has a right to feel that they belong to the Trinity-Pawling community.

Trinity-Pawling Magazine is published by the Office of Communications for alumni, parents, and friends of the School.

Head of School William W. Taylor Director of Advancement Elly Erickson Director of Communications Judy Redder Senior Writer Maria Buteux Reade Class Notes Editor Jenna Jonke

Yet, this commitment is deeper than a matter of what is just and right. For a community to be vibrant and efficacious as an instrument in the teaching and learning process, it must celebrate and nurture difference in its midst. By underscoring the importance of diversity in the community, the School seeks to strengthen the efficacious role that community plays in the overall experience of learning and growth at TrinityPawling. For this reason, the School must be vigilant to the obligation of cultivating a commitment to belonging. At a time when the larger society seems fragmented, distant, and distrustful, the commitment made to nurture a healthy and vibrant community to which everyone feels confident that they belong remains a powerful countercultural force that enriches and distinguishes the teaching and learning experience at Trinity-Pawling. For the boys at Trinity-Pawling, then, the connection between a sense of belonging and the process of becoming the self-aware men they will be, must be a vibrant and healthy one.

Onward!

Follow Head of School Bill Taylor’s blog: www.trinitypawling.org/billsblog

Photo Credits Bizzy Amor Jacquelyn Belcher George Chambers Tom Javery Tom Kates Nicolle McDougal Connie Rafferty Judy Redder

Copyright © 2022, Trinity-Pawling School Trinity-Pawling School 700 Route 22 Pawling, NY 12564 845-855-3100 www.trinitypawling.org Trinity-Pawling School admits students of any race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other School-administrated programs. For Parents of Alumni: If this issue is addressed to your son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Office of Advancement with the correct mailing address. Email alumni@trinitypawling.org or call 845-855-4883. FALL 2022

ta bl e of C on t en t s | fa l l 2022

Features DEPARTMENTS

2 THE SCROLL 5 A VIEW FROM THE QUAD Chris Marsh ’82 … Robert MacGregor ’09 … The Honor Councils Newsworthy In the Classroom with Dr. David Hooks, EdD The Big Picture: Sportsmanship

22 The Institute For Leadership HELPING STUDENTS FOSTER SELF-AWARENESS

Faculty Minute with Jesús Moreno

32 PRIDE ATHLETICS Sports Section Pride Spotlight: 2022 Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

38 CONNECTIONS Dan Parker ’07 on the importance of giving back … the Coughlin family legacy leads to two enduring gifts Upcoming Events Class Notes

26 Striving For Justice

ATTORNEYS AT LAW: BRUCE BIRNS ’70, MIKE CERNY P’17, MICHAEL O’KEEFE ’03, TOUSSAINT C. ROMAIN ’96

5 Nathaniel Hurd ’95 – FOCUSED ON FREEDOM 8 Scott Draughon ’06 – SERVING HIS COMMUNITY 11 Maureen Miller P’12, P’15 – EDUCATION AS THE CORNERSTONE OF SUCCESS

ON THE COVER: Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Chukky Okobi ’96, following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl XL victory in 2006.

In Memoriam From The Archives: The Senior Leadership Program

50 END NOTE Chris Burke P’09

the scroll T W I T T E R : F A C E B O O K : I N S TA G R A M

HEAD OF SCHOOL BILL TAYLOR IS TWEETING — FOLLOW @TPSHOS!

“Great exercise of team boat building for @TrinityPawling Senior Leadership Program!” #collaborativeleadership #LeadershipMatters #Onward! — @TPSHOS

WE POSTED ON INSTAGRAM

Where in the world is Trinity-Pawling today? Over the last few days, this lucky group of students has been exploring Switzerland and Italy! Led by @eftours, along with Mrs. Kellogg and Ms. DeFonce, the group has visited Zurich, Lucerne, Lake Como, and Venice; and Florence, Assisi, Rome, Sorrento, and Capri are all on the itinerary. Wishing you all a fantastic trip filled with lots of fun and new experiences. Safe travels, Pride! #SwitzerlandItaly2022 #trinitypawlingtravels

We want to hear from you! Follow us on social media! twitter.com/TrinityPawling twitter.com/TPSHOS

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facebook.com/TrinityPawling @trinitypawlingschool @TPrideHockey @TPridefootball @rollpridelax @tpridebaseball @PrideSquash @prideridestp @trinitypawlingwrestling

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#RollPride #adayinthelifetp #tpshoutout

#tptraditions #ethosofeffort #onward

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TRINIT Y-PAWLING MAGAZINE

Write to us: Trinity-Pawling Magazine, 700 Route 22 Pawling, NY 12564 Email: communications@trinitypawling.org For class notes and alumni matters, email alumni@trinitypawling.org

TOP 3 POSTS ON INSTAGRAM

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Mo Vaughn ’86 recently met up with Dave Coratti P’08. Two Trinity-Pawling legends reunited! #TPshoutout “Awesome !!!” — JIMEICHIEJR

“Looking good gentlemen!” — JOHNEMPTAGE

After the Yearbook Dedication Ceremony last evening, students and faculty enjoyed a delicious cookout on the quad while reading their new yearbooks. It's another one of our favorite end-of-the-year traditions! #TPtradition

Over the weekend, students from Trinity-Pawling & Westover School enjoyed an evening at the Junior/Senior Prom held at The Aria in Prospect, CT. It was a night to remember! A special #TPshoutout to Max Camaj ’23 for being crowned Prom King!

A special thank you and #TPshoutout to the 2021-2022 Yearbook Staff for your hard work on this year's Trinitannus. Well done!

Trinity-Pawling's 2022 Stepping Up Ceremony was held this afternoon in All Saints' Chapel — a beloved #TPtradition celebrating the boys' academic accomplishments throughout the year. And what a year it has been! Congratulations to the 2022 award recipients and to all students, faculty, and staff on a successful school year. We are proud to have such an incredible #TPcommunity! #Onward! “Mazel Tov!!!” — FREITASNYC

“Excellent pictures! Congratulations boys!” — AMYHIOS

“Great shot.” — SSMITHSELECTREALESTATE

The Farming Team finished out their season by planting tomatoes, peppers, & basil in the gardens & then enjoying s'mores around the campfire together. Thanks for a great season, gentlemen! We look forward to seeing the harvests throughout the summer. #EthosOfEffort

Let's hear it for Varsity Track & Field for placing second overall at the Founders League Championship meet hosted on campus over the weekend! Congratulations to the entire team & coaching staff! #ROLLPRIDE

FALL 2022

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: As part of his Eagle Scout Project this year, Carter Simko ’23 refurbished the wooden benches on the Cluett Flagpole Terrace. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with the #TPcommunity, Carter. Well done! #EthosOfEffort

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Carl Sturcke ’61 and Joe Webber ’18 recently connected at a University of Vermont graduation party! The #TPbrotherhood is everywhere! Great to see you, gentlemen. #TPshoutout

In the week leading up to graduation, it's Head of School Bill Taylor's tradition to hold a story hour, in which he reads a story aloud to the graduating seniors. This morning, he read Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal — a story about self-discovery, standing out, and making your mark. It was a fitting message as the #TPcommunity prepares to send off the Class of 2022 on their next adventure in life, ready to make their mark on the world. Onward! #TPtradition

ON CAMPUS

A special spring tradition concluded for the 2021-2022 school year with the annual championship softball game on Coratti Field last week. For the third time in four years, the Pride faculty team claimed victory in the championship and completed an undefeated season! Congratulations! Thank you to all students and faculty who competed on the quad, the upper fields, and Coratti Field this year in the evening intramural softball games. The tradition lives on! #adayinthelifetp

TRINIT Y-PAWLING MAGAZINE

A VIEW FROM THE QUAD Nathaniel Hurd ’95 FOCUSED ON FREEDOM BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

Nathaniel Hurd has always been fascinated by

the agency’s Congressional engagement. For two

questions of morality and by the world beyond the

subsequent years, he headed the Iraq advocacy and

United States. He and his parents lived in India for

policy work of the International Rescue Committee

two years, where he attended an Indian school from

(IRC). IRC provides humanitarian relief for displaced

age nine to eleven. “I was the only non-Indian in my

people and resettles refugees in the United States.

school,” Hurd recounts. “It was an early education

Then life went in a very different direction. Hurd

in making friends with people of radically different

left professional work to become a seminarian for

backgrounds from my own.” That trait served him well

the Archdiocese of Washington from 2009-2010.

in his four years at Trinity-Pawling where he connected

The question of whether God was calling him to the

easily with students from around the world.

priesthood had been on his heart and mind since

While studying international affairs at Hamilton

becoming Catholic. “The fruits of that year of prayer

College, Hurd was riveted by current humanitarian

and reflection in seminary have been evident every

crises, including the war in Kosovo and the Rwandan

single day since. It is never wasted time to seek and

genocide several years prior. After college, he spent

discern answers to the big questions in our lives.”

five years at several small nonprofits, immersed in

After he discerned out of seminary, Hurd landed

policy work on the devastating effects of United

at World Vision, an international Christian relief and

Nations economic sanctions on innocent Iraqi civilians.

development organization. Over almost four years,

The next natural step was to earn his master’s

he managed its D.C.-based advocacy and policy work

degree from Columbia University’s School of

on Somalia, Syria, and other countries where war and

International and Public Affairs in 2006. During that

terrorism dominated. “For all of my humanitarian jobs,

same period, Nathaniel became a Catholic. He had

I traveled overseas to meet with senior government

been a long-time atheist, then agnostic, and even

officials, aid workers, and, most importantly, survivors

Episcopalian for a little while. “I had spent 22 years

who had been forced to flee their homes. This gave me

wholly convinced that God did not exist. But reality

a clearer sense of what was happening on the ground

overcame my denials. Dramatic, personal encounters

and what the United States and other countries should

with Christ. Friendships. Reading. Reason illuminated

do about it.”

by faith. Desire for the good, the true, and the

2014 was an epic year. Hurd married Kristin. The

beautiful. The dead-ends of self-reference and self-

couple now has three children: Benedict, 6; Catherine,

reliance. All these led me to Catholicism.”

3; and Cecilia, almost 2. Soon after his wedding,

Hurd’s first job after graduate school was with

Hurd joined the U.S. Commission on Security and

Mercy Corps in Washington, D.C., focusing on the

Cooperation in Europe, better known as the Helsinki

genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region and leading

Commission, as a senior policy advisor. Congress

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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

“

What keeps me motivated is that every human is created in the image and likeness of God and so has intrinsic, equal worth and dignity that needs defending.

TRINIT Y-PAWLING MAGAZINE

created this bipartisan, bicameral committee in 1975 to

collaborators off Capitol Hill and dear friends. They

promote human rights, military security, and economic

offered me a position as director of the North America

cooperation in 57 countries in the former Soviet Union,

action team and senior fellow for public policy. After the

western Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

most rigorous discernment of my then 21-year career, I

“For seven years, I was the commission’s lead staffer

left my dream job, which offered total financial security,

focused on religious freedom and atrocity crimes like

to work with this nonprofit of 15 people. It’s clear this

genocide and humanitarian crises. Basically, wherever

is my next calling: moving from behind-the-scenes as a

governments or violent groups were targeting religious

Congressional staffer to the public square.”

communities, especially minorities, or where anti-Semitism was pervasive, there was my work.”

“The Religious Freedom Institute exists to advance religious freedom for everyone, everywhere,” Hurd

“The Helsinki Commission gave me great scope

explains. “Individuals and institutions have the natural,

for creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship,” he

inalienable right to live out their religious convictions in

continues. “My main job was to develop and propose

private and in public, without coercion from government

actions that members of Congress could take, including

or others. Our job at RFI is to educate, encourage, equip,

legislation, hearings, and engaging our executive

mobilize people to exercise their religious freedom

branch or foreign governments. I wrote speeches for

and thereby contribute to the common good. This first

Senators and Representatives, staffed them on the floor

freedom is essential for communities and countries to

of the U.S. Capitol, helped to get religious prisoners

flourish.”

released, represented the United States with senior

“I’ve always served the weak and the vulnerable,”

foreign officials, monitored elections in Europe, wrote

Hurd concludes. “What keeps me motivated is that every

for publication, and moderated public briefings.” Two

human is created in the image and likeness of God and

bipartisan bills Nathaniel drafted became law: The Iraq

so has intrinsic, equal worth and dignity that needs

and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act, and the

defending. Every person is a fellow child of God, and

Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act.

therefore my brother or sister. As Christ exemplified and

“I could have stayed with the Helsinki Commission for the rest of my career. However, the Religious Freedom Institute offered me the opportunity in June of 2021 to combat the proliferating

commands, there’s no greater love than to lay your life down for your friends — and that includes strangers.” “It’s surreal my life has turned out this way. If you had told atheist-me 23 years ago that I would be religious

threats to religious freedom in the

and fighting for religious freedom, I would have laughed

United States — the land in

scornfully. God obviously knew better. It’s also humbling

which I was born and that formed me. RFIers had been my closest

that this kid who went to Trinity-Pawling in 1991 with a learning disability would later stand in the Oval Office, watching a bill that he had drafted be signed into law by the President.”

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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

SCOTT DRAUGHON ’06 Serving His Community BY EMMA QUIGLEY

It was 2003 when Bronx native Scott Draughon arrived at Trinity-Pawling on a basketball scholarship, excited to begin his sophomore year on the court. Yet, what started out as a basketball-focused venture for the young athlete soon became a life-changing experience — one filled with personal growth, valuable life lessons, lasting friendships, and the support of an incredible school community. “To put it simply, Trinity-Pawling made me a better communicator, teammate, student, and man,” Draughon began. “I learned about the meaning of brotherhood and the importance of effort; I met people from so many different backgrounds and cultures; and I learned how to push myself to reach my goals, including winning the second basketball state title in School history in 2005. Jim McDougal and many other teachers mentored me from the beginning, which helped me win Most Improved Sophomore in the spring of 2004. They opened my eyes to all that T-P could offer, beyond basketball.” Specifically, McDougal encouraged Draughon to join the School’s track and field team. “Running track was one of the best things I did at T-P. As an inner-city kid, I never had the opportunity to try the sport before. Don’t get me wrong, we were not that good during our first couple of years,” he shared with a laugh. “But during my senior year, we hosted the Founders League Championship on the brand new track and we won! That’s an experience I’ll

TRINIT Y-PAWLING MAGAZINE

never forget.” Draughon and his teammates also placed second at the Penn Relays in 2006 and hold a New England record in the 4x100m race — a record that is yet to be broken. Following his graduation from Trinity-Pawling, Draughon went on to finish his collegiate basketball career at Northeastern State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. He then spent a few years working in finance and management on Wall Street before realizing that it simply wasn’t the path for him. “I decided to take the New York Police Department (NYPD) qualification test and when I got the call, I took a leap. It was a big career change but I was ready for it.” Draughon graduated from the Police Academy and joined the force in New York City in 2021, where he proudly serves his hometown community.

“Connecting with members of our community is the best part of the job. For me, it goes beyond helping people and keeping the neighborhoods safe. It’s also listening to their stories and sharing my own; taking the time to talk with kids and change their perspective on law enforcement; and serving as a mentor of sorts and opening their minds to all that the world can offer, just as Mr. McDougal did for me.” Draughon continues to serve his Trinity-Pawling community too, as he returns to campus each year to speak with students in McDougal’s classes about social justice, selfless service, respect and communication, and perhaps most importantly, gratitude. “As a police officer, hearing members of the community say thank you means a lot. It reminds us that we are making a difference for others. Feeling appreciated gets us through the tough days,” he concluded. “The same goes for the teachers at T-P. They are changing lives and working hard, and it’s so important that we — current students and alumni — all say thank you. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and families, helping us find success in the classroom, arts, athletics, and more, and for mentoring us in all areas of our lives.” On behalf of the School community, we thank you, Scott, for all you do to give back to Trinity-Pawling and for your bravery and service in the NYPD.

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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

Chris Marsh ’82 EMBRACING THE TWISTS AND TURNS BY EMMA QUIGLEY

Chris Marsh is not afraid of life’s unexpected twists and turns. Quite the opposite, in fact — he embraces them. “I like to think that the twists and turns didn’t steer me off of my path,” he began. “They led me right to it.” Marsh currently serves as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State in Montréal, Canada. In his role, he primarily works on immigration cases for individuals looking to become legal permanent residents of the United States. “Our department evaluates all of the immigration cases that come through Canada and determines which ones to approve,” he explained, detailing a few of his day-to-day duties like writing cables to Washington, D.C. to identify and develop information on known or suspected terrorists, performing security and background checks, and meeting with aspiring immigration applicants. Marsh and his team also work closely with the fraud unit to monitor and flag any criminal activity and protect the security of the United States. “In August of 2021, I served on the Afghan task force while the U.S. was evacuating the country. Our team managed some of the correspondence that was coming in from Afghanistan, most of which pertained to American citizens trying to leave safely.” Since the first weeks of the war in Ukraine, Marsh has also worked with Ukrainian refugees seeking safety in North America. “By far, the most rewarding part of my job is the people. Hearing the immigrants’ stories, learning about their backgrounds, and reuniting families that have been separated…it’s incredible. I’m very proud of the work we do.”

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It was 2019 when Marsh’s career with the U.S. Department of State began and he navigated many of life’s twists and turns on his pathway there. After graduating from Trinity-Pawling, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point to play ice hockey, but eventually went into the inactive reserves and transferred to Columbia University. Equipped with a degree in political science, Marsh first dabbled in the world of investment banking for two years before switching gears, returning to Columbia to earn his MBA, and joining the business side of the film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. From Lucasfilm and Warner Brothers, to Disney and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Marsh has worked in global consumer marketing and emerging markets for nearly 30 years. “When I was at the senior level of the entertainment world, I knew I was good at my job, but I had lost my curiosity,” Marsh shared. “Changing careers, especially from the private sector to government, was intimidating but also invigorating. I felt like a college graduate again, ready for a new challenge.” His next assignment with the Department of State will be in the U.S. Embassy in Australia, serving as a Deputy Finance Officer. Looking back, Marsh admits that he had a bit of a rocky start as a student at Trinity-Pawling, but he is grateful for the lessons he learned. “I was suspended in the first week and spent those first days of classes working on the maintenance crew,” he shared with a chuckle.

“But hey, I knew I could only go up from there!” It was his positive attitude and the support of his teachers, coaches, and the entire School community that led Marsh to find success in the classroom, hockey rink, and on his path after graduation. “Individual effort is important of course, but I believe that true success is found when you lean on those around you and embrace their help and guidance when you need it. And always return the favor!” Marsh concluded. “Community is essential — we build each other up and point one another in the direction of our strengths. I learned that firsthand at Trinity-Pawling.” And that, he said, has made all the difference.

MAUREEN MILLER P’12, P’15 EDUCATION AS THE CORNERSTONE OF SUCCESS BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

Maureen Miller believes in the transformative power of education. She grew up in a family of educators. Her father was a teacher and coach who served as assistant head and director of studies at an all-boys Catholic high school in Danvers, Massachusetts. After graduating from Williams College and while raising her two sons, Taylor and Thomas, Miller participated in the Somers (New York) Parent Teacher Association and then served on the Somers School Board for nine years. “After my time on the school board ended, I thought I’d ride off into the sunset, but Arch Smith invited me to serve as a trustee in 2012, and I’ve happily remained in this role for the last decade.” Starting in 2015, Miller also began to tutor adults pursuing their GED through the Westchester Public Library System. “Helping these people improve their lives ensures their children’s lives will be better as well. I saw firsthand how education increases people’s confidence and helps them tackle other hurdles and pursue goals. When we help people in need, everyone is lifted up. Education is the cornerstone of success.” She watched her two sons, Taylor ’12 and Thomas ’15, flourish in their own ways during their years at TrinityPawling. “The faculty have such diverse talents, and students can find someone to guide and help them explore their own interests. Although a dedicated math and science student, Taylor found Todd Hoffman’s history and government classes riveting, and that exposure influenced his career path as an engineer now working for a national laboratory impacted by

“Helping these people improve their lives ensures their children’s lives will be better as well."

government policy. And Thomas spent hours on woodworking with Adam Dinsmore ’91 and doing pottery with Ned Reade. Thomas now owns and operates a ranch in Colorado. The School’s emphasis on experiential learning and independent projects helps students pursue an outside interest that can spark a whole new avenue in life. These programs help students to learn the power of self-advocacy and working with mentors.” Miller firmly believes that vital education happens beyond the classroom. “At Trinity-Pawling, the boys are surrounded by faculty who wear multiple hats: dorm parent, teacher, coach, club advisor. That approach models life and teaches the young men to balance a range of responsibilities later on as dad, worker, and partner. Trinity-Pawling develops

the whole person who has confidence, understands effort, and engages in their community.” As a trustee, Miller serves as Chair of the Trustee Committee. She sees her role as cultivating and mentoring new board members who will embrace stewardship of the School. “It’s all about helping the students grow and supporting the faculty and staff who are committed to their education. Trinity-Pawling does an extraordinary job at providing a transformative experience for the young men. It’s an honor to remain a part of this community.”

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Rob MacGregor ’09 SERVING THE PUBLIC BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

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Rob MacGregor has spent the last nine years in a variety of roles on Capitol Hill. He currently serves as a professional staff member at the United States House of Representatives, working on the Committee on Natural Resources. “Natural resource issues such as energy and oil and gas production always captured my attention. When I was at Trinity-Pawling, I remember the nation fearing we would run out of oil. Then someone figured out how to drill horizontally through shale. The whole fracking revolution fascinated me.” What initially drew the Bowdoin College government major to the Capitol? “I did an internship after my sophomore year with majority leader Eric Cantor, and I was hooked. That led to internships with Pat Meehan of Pennsylvania and Kevin McCarthy of California. I learned pretty quickly that our work really impacts people. Constituents would come to our offices looking for help with issues that impacted their lives or their livelihoods, and it was the representative’s duty to listen and try to find ways to help.” Shortly after graduating in 2013, MacGregor spent the next five years working for Representative Steve Pearce of southern New Mexico. “Steve cared a great deal about natural resources. He eventually became chair of the Western Caucus, overseeing 50 members from across the western

United States. Their primary interests were domestic energy production, public lands issues, and the Endangered Species Act.” MacGregor served as Pearce’s legislative assistant before rising to become his legislative director. After Pearce lost his gubernatorial run in November 2018, MacGregor moved to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a senior advisor focused on the U.S. Forest Service,

“ Trinity-Pawling taught me how to think critically and to debate both sides of an issue.” ensuring that Forest Service regulations and directives aligned with the Department’s goals. “I worked with amazing and incredibly knowledgeable folks and learned so much about wildfires, active forest management, grazing allotments, public land issues, and access for recreation.” When the Biden administration took office in January 2021, MacGregor landed a job with the Department of Natural Resources, first working on Native American and wildlife issues before shifting to renewable energy, oil, and gas. “My job primarily involves collaborating with other member offices as

we research, write bills, conduct oversight, prepare briefings and updates, and meet with stakeholders to get their input.” “Working on bills may sound dull,” he continues, “but it’s exciting and challenging to have unparalleled access to information. I’m constantly humbled by how much I don’t know, so I am always learning.” MacGregor reflects on his four years at Trinity-Pawling where he served as Prefect and captained varsity hockey, football, and baseball. “Trinity-Pawling taught me how to think critically and to debate both sides of an issue — my teachers always emphasized that. I also learned how to think outside the box, which has helped me find ways to make small adjustments to fix potential problems without causing a stir. Most importantly, the work ethic I developed through the Effort System taught me never to get complacent. I always reflect on how I could do something better the next time. There’s no tolerance for sloppy work.” MacGregor describes members of Congress as “CEOs who provide direction. Staffers have to figure out how to enact those directives and convert them into actionable items. At the end of the day, we are providing information and answers to the public and a lot of it comes down to customer service and people skills. It’s a privilege to do this work.”

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Newsworthy LE ADERSHIP

FACULT Y HONORS

MEET THE PREFECTS Congratulations, to the elected Prefects of the 2022-2023 academic year! We look forward to your skilled and artful leadership on campus. Cristobal Tola, Head Prefect

Garrett Backus

Shun Shiraishi, Junior Prefect

Andrew Belcher

Tyler Fogu

Casey Sodolski

Kojo Arthur-Mensah

Raphael Denis

TRINITANNUS DEDICATION During the Trinity-Pawling Yearbook Dedication Ceremony on May 26, 2022, the 2022 Trinitannus was dedicated to Jim McDougal P’17. An excerpt from the yearbook dedication reads: “This year’s recipient of the Trinitannus dedication is one of the ‘old guard.’ Well respected by students, faculty, and the many families with which he has interacted over the years, he is known for his quick and dry sense of humor. Involved in many aspects of life at Trinity-Pawling, he keeps students in their lanes, whether on the track or in their quest for honor.” Jim McDougal is one of a small group of faculty members to receive the honor of a yearbook dedication twice in their career. His ongoing dedication and service to the entire community makes this a well-deserved honor, indeed.

quoted

“If I could, I would yell: Get off the quad ... and go make a difference. Get off the quad ... and use that very thing that’s inside of you to make the world better for someone other than you. Get off the quad ... and be the leader that we all know you to be. Because these faces here today, this faculty, these family members ... we are all counting on you.” —Toussaint C. Romain ’96, during his address to the Class of 2022, parents, faculty, staff, and friends at the Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 28, 2022. In his inspiring speech, Romain emphasized the importance of personal conviction and the role effort plays in finding success in life. He challenged the new graduates to take the gift of their Trinity-Pawling education and the lessons they’ve learned to go onward and achieve greatness. Watch his full speech here: https://bit.ly/3BDgFm7

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COMMUNIT Y

STEPPING BACK WITH THE CLASS OF 2020 The Trinity-Pawling community welcomed members of the Class of 2020 and their families back to campus for a special celebration on June 4, 2022. The day featured a tree dedication service, a "Stepping Back" ceremony complete with an inspiring Chapel Talk by former Head Prefect Solomon Hess ’20, and a delicious dinner in Gamage Gardens. It was a wonderful day on campus spent reconnecting, reminiscing about their virtual Commencement, and celebrating the accomplishments of this remarkable class of young men. Congratulations again to all members of Trinity-Pawling’s Class of 2020!

on c Ampus

AWARDS

ATHLETIC HONORS At the 2022 Yearbook Dedication and Award Ceremony, 10 student-athletes were honored with the annual Phil Haughey ’53 Three Varsity Sport Award.

THE CLASS OF 2022 OUTDOOR CLASSROOM In recognition of the Class of 2022’s generous family support, Trinity-Pawling

Phil Haughey is an esteemed member of Trinity-Pawling’s Class of 1953. He was one of the first to be inducted into Trinity-Pawling’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. In addition to being a Prefect and team captain, highlights from Haughey’s athletic career at Trinity-Pawling include

School named the outdoor classroom

varsity football, basketball, and baseball. As a student at Harvard University,

area between Cluett and the Matthew

Haughey continued to play football, basketball, and baseball and also served as

Dann Academic Building in honor of the

President of the Harvard Varsity Club.

Class of 2022. This outdoor classroom

Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2022 Phil Haughey ’53 Three

area was a treasured space for the Class

Varsity Sport Award: Robbie Accomando ’22, Francisco Bendezu ’22, John Berbano ’24,

of 2022 during their time at Trinity-

Asa Caramico ’24, Raphael Denis ’23, Tony Gao ’22, Alex Hicks ’24, Gus Huffard ’22,

Pawling. The students gathered here

Joey Patierno ’22, and Michael Pellitteri ’22. Well done, gentlemen!

to learn, socialize, and relax, which enhanced their overall student life experience at the School. We pay tribute to this outstanding class of graduates by

quoted

“TO MY PEERS, THE CLASS OF 2022, I WOULD

naming this special outdoor classroom

LIKE TO ASK YOU … NO MATTER WHERE YOU

for them — The Class of 2022 Outdoor

GO, NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, AND NO MATTER

Classroom.

WHO YOU ARE, REMEMBER OUR CHERISHED

Thank you to the Class of 2022 families for demonstrating your commitment to the School by raising more than $50,000 for the Class of 2022 Senior Parent

TIME TOGETHER AT TRINITY-PAWLING SCHOOL.” —Valedictorian Steven Song ’22, during his Commencement speech on May 28, 2022

Capstone Gift.

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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

The Honor Councils at Trinity-Pawling UPHOLDING OUR FUNDAMENTAL VALUES

“Trinity-Pawling School is constructed on a foundation of honesty and integrity. As such, these principles exist to form the parameters within which decisions are made and actions are directed. Honesty and integrity are the foundations of a healthy, successful life. From such a strong foundation, an individual’s self-confidence and respect for self and others will mature and flourish. Such a foundation becomes the basis for responsible decisions and will encourage accountability, maturity, and leadership. Accordingly, honesty and integrity are expected norms in this School community. Trinity-Pawling School stands firmly on this foundation, and each member of the School community bears a responsibility to strengthen this foundation. Dishonesty in any form weakens this foundation for both the individual and the larger School community,” states Head of School Bill Taylor. The Honor Council at Trinity-Pawling exists to promote honor, build character, and strengthen the fabric of the community. The Honor Council’s purpose is to nurture a community that values character and mutual trust. The Honor Council will hear student cases involving dishonorable behavior, which may include issues of community honor, violation of major school rules, or academic dishonesty, and they make recommendations to the Head of School regarding disciplinary consequences. The Honor Council is constituted by the Prefect of Honor, a member of the junior class, two faculty members, and a faculty

HONESTY

HONOR CODE The Honor Code: Honesty and integrity live at the heart of the School. Behavior inspired by faith and virtue creates honor in the community and allows us to live by the principles of the Trinity-Pawling Honor Code: My effort, preparation, and presentation are at all times honest.

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moderator. Its primary purpose is to reinforce the boundaries of the community that have been violated by challenging the student to better understand how his actions have impacted others and the larger community. To address issues of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism and/or cheating, the Academic Honor Council was established in 2010. The Academic Honor Council is formed by selected student body members in grades 10-12 who have applied for the position. The application process includes a questionnaire in which students share their visions of honor at Trinity-Pawling, explain how they would handle various honor violations in the classroom, and express their thoughts on what may cause dishonorable behavior. Advisors Frank Fritts and Jim McDougal P’17 read all applications before forwarding them to Head of School Bill Taylor, who then selects 6-10 Academic Honor Council members for the year. In the Fall Term, all Honor Council members attend meetings with faculty advisors to discuss possible situations and outcomes that are designed to strengthen the academic integrity of the School. The Honor Councils hold the Trinity-Pawling Honor Code in trust for all current, future, and past students, faculty, and alumni in an effort to create an educational and proactive group. The School’s commitment to honor is placed in the trust of the Honor Councils, whose members promote a community of integrity and adjudicate cases when trust has been violated. The School community and culture as a whole benefit when its members are committed to a set of mutual values that enable them to thrive. Members of the Honor Councils are given a profound experiential learning opportunity through their service. The student members gain valuable learning experience by discussing the importance of honesty, respect, fairness, and responsibility and ways in which to keep these honorable values at the core of the School’s identity. Their commitment and leadership allow them to model a high standard of integrity, preparing them for responsible citizenship.

HONOR CODE

INTEGRITY

AFFIRMATION OF HONOR: The Trinity-Pawling Brotherhood is responsible, respectful, supportive, honorable, and proud. ACADEMIC PLEDGE: On My Honor, as a member of the Trinity-Pawling Community, I pledge that I have neither given nor received any unauthorized or unapproved outside assistance on this assessment.

In the Classroom with DR. DAVID HOOKS, EdD

NEVER STOP IMPROVING BY EMMA QUIGLEY

Head coach, teacher, administrator, athletic director, dorm parent, advisor, director of college counseling — Dr. David Hooks, EdD has certainly held many titles during his over 40-year career in education, but perhaps none more important than mentor. “It all started when I was 15 years old shooting baskets in my backyard, and a couple of young kids from down the block asked if I’d teach them how to shoot a basketball. That was the spark for me.” And that spark certainly caught. Now four decades into his successful tenure as a coach and educator, Hooks has mentored thousands of students and student-athletes in colleges and private schools across the northeast. In the summer of 2021, he brought his talents to Trinity-Pawling, joining the History Department as a World History and Economics teacher; coaching football, basketball, and lacrosse at all levels; and serving as a dorm parent in Cluett. “You could say I found my perfect fit here at Trinity-Pawling,” he shared with a smile. Helping students reach their potential — whether it’s in the classroom, on the athletic field, or somewhere in between — is just one aspect of his role at the School that Hooks finds most rewarding. “It’s pretty amazing to see that moment when a student succeeds and realizes all that he is capable of. Then, showing him that there’s more potential to be realized is just as exciting. It’s one of those goalposts in life that keeps moving forward.” In his history classroom, Hooks’ teaching approach is largely discussion-based, so he has two simple but

important rules for his students: be present and be engaged. “Participation is a heavy grade in my class because it teaches those critical skills that the boys will need at the next level. Learning to articulate their thoughts and opinions well, having the courage and confidence to speak up, listening to their peers and relating to what they said. The list goes on.”

“IT’S PRETTY AMAZING TO SEE THAT MOMENT WHEN A STUDENT SUCCEEDS AND REALIZES ALL THAT HE IS CAPABLE OF.” “Learning about the past gives us the unique opportunity to see where mistakes were made or where positive change happened,” Hooks continued. “We see how countries have developed and how humankind has evolved. We can look back to learn from our experiences and thus never stop improving.” Never stop improving. You could say that is Hooks’ third rule for his students and players — and for himself as an educator, coach, and mentor. “The boys are the nuclear power plant of this School. They supply us with energy and enthusiasm; in return, it’s our job to keep them motivated, challenged, and constantly chasing their highest potential,” he concluded. “Every day, without fail, I get to see another student grow, improve, or find success. And in those moments, I am reminded why I do what I do.”

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The Big Picture

18 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

SPORTSMANSHIP The Pride, our bold and beloved mascot, symbolizes the essence of being a team member at Trinity-Pawling. A lion pride is a family unit — by staying together, they are faster, stronger, and more strategic. A pride’s male members are swift and skilled — responsible for guarding their territory. A tight-knit team and a sense of fellowship (on and off the field) create the foundation for the practice of sportsmanship at Trinity-Pawling. The Pride athletics program aspires to hold students and teachers to standards of behavior that reflect the highest values in society. Athletic competition should exemplify these standards and serve the broader purpose of education within our schools. The Pride is committed to providing students with a full, rich, and balanced athletic program. Important lessons are taught through athletics. Like the classroom setting, games and practices are forums for our teachers to teach. Through healthy competition, studentathletes learn lifelong lessons about sportsmanship — they develop character, resilience, a sense of responsibility, and respect for their teammates, their opponents, the officials, and for the game. Preparing their minds for competition, Pride hockey players listen carefully to Coach Bob Ferraris ’93 as he gives brief pre-game advice and motivation to the team. F A L L 2 0 2 2 19

FACULTY MINUTE

The Art of Teaching JESÚS MORENO BY EMMA QUIGLEY

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“My lessons are based on the acquisition of the language, rather than memorization — the way the brain works best! I enjoy seeing my students begin to feel comfortable speaking Spanish with me and with one another.”

It was perfect timing when Jesús Moreno came across a job opening for a Spanish teacher at Trinity-Pawling in the spring of 2021. While living in his hometown of Pinilla de los Moros, Spain with his family, he had been on the lookout for a new teaching position in the United States. With COVID travel challenges steadily decreasing, he and his wife, Carolina, sought to return to the U.S. and give their daughters an American experience and education. And so, in August of last year, Moreno joined the Trinity-Pawling community with his family — bringing with him nearly two decades of teaching and artistic experience and a creative, can-do spirit. Equipped with a degree in fine arts from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a Master’s in Education from the Universidad de Granada, Moreno has taught Spanish, English, Studio Art, and Art History in a variety of schools and countries — from Spain and Italy to Morocco and the United States. An accomplished artist, Moreno has also taken time off from his teaching career to sculpt and paint professionally, yet he never lost his love for the classroom. “When I was searching for a new teaching job, I knew I wanted to

find a student-oriented school with a strong community. It has been a great experience so far,” Moreno shared, explaining the instant connection he felt with the Trinity-Pawling community during his first year of teaching. In the classroom, Moreno and his colleagues in the Modern Language Department follow a comprehensible input (CI) instructional technique. “The CI methodology allows me to teach Spanish in a real-world, immersive way. It’s an open curriculum that can adapt to each student’s needs as they learn the language.” Moreno describes his teaching style as active and approachable, with each class focused primarily on oral learning. “My lessons are based on the acquisition of the language, rather than memorization — the way the brain works best! I enjoy seeing my students begin to feel comfortable speaking Spanish with me and with one another.” When the academic day is done, Moreno can be found seeding, planting, harvesting, and teaching on the campus farm, alongside faculty members Ashley and Josh Frost ’04 and students on the farming team. “Farming comes naturally to me. When I lived in Pinilla de los Moros with my family, a tiny

village in the north of Spain, our life was based around farming,” he shared. “We raised small livestock and many vegetable gardens, all cultivated in a sustainable way. When I learned about the farming program here at T-P, I said ‘count me in!’” Moreno also brings his artistic talents each week to the Woodworking Club on campus where students learn woodturning, carving, and joinery skills. “Although I mostly sculpt with stone, I have also worked with wood and this club lets me continue my craft and teach my favorite techniques,” the artist shared with a smile. Now in the midst of his second year at Trinity-Pawling, Moreno is most grateful for the forward-thinking nature of the School and the closeknit community it offers. As a lifelong learner himself, he also appreciates the chance to learn from his students, just as they learn from him. “Trinity-Pawling does a wonderful job with project-based learning. I particularly love Winter Projects, where I can step out of my role as a Spanish teacher and guide students in a new subject…a subject that I can also explore,” Moreno concluded. “I love any opportunity to learn something new.”

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22 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

The Institute for Leadership HELPING STUDENTS FOSTER SELF-AWARENESS — THE ESSENTIAL TRAIT OF A GREAT LEADER BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

Two lines of young men stood shoulder to shoulder staring

a greater sense of self-awareness.

at their opponents twenty paces across the grassy field.

seniors fine-tune their ability to

Over the course of the year, the

A representative from each side met in the middle and

communicate in a clear, effective,

negotiated whether to declare war or peace. Months later,

Through mentorship and leadership

and approachable manner.

small squadrons of these same young men huddled to

opportunities, these students help

discuss strategy and delegate tasks, prior to swarming the

campus culture.

battlefield in pursuit of the coveted cloth that would bring victory to their regiment.

cultivate a positive and healthy The Institutes for Active Learning completed a successful inaugural year, with each Institute providing all-school programming on one Saturday morning per term. Thus, the entire student body and faculty

War and Peace. Capture the

associated faculty members,

had the opportunity to engage in

Flag. These classic games also

turned to these and other games

diverse, hands-on activities related

serve as leadership exercises that

that rely on strategic thinking

to the Institute’s quartet of themes:

develop and reward vital skills of

and collaboration as a means of

environmental stewardship,

communication, collaboration,

exploring group dynamics and

citizenship, entrepreneurship, and

critical thinking, and creativity.

styles of leadership.

leadership. Four Saturday mornings

In other words, cornerstone traits

The Institute for Leadership is

embedded in every aspect of a

designed to encourage students to

Trinity-Pawling education.

explore leadership from multiple

Seniors in charge of the Institute for Leadership, assisted by the

per term, active learning beyond the classroom. “The boys have come to expect,

angles so that the knowledge and

and enjoy, unique programs that

associated skills can help them gain

may push or challenge them,”

Photo: Students participate in small-group strategy games as part of the Institute for Leadership's Saturday Programming. F A L L 2 0 2 2 23

says Chris Gillman ’05. “There’s

format and the students gathered

Two of the activities used common

something powerful, and a little

in smaller classroom groups to

objects such as plastic cups and

edgy, about the unknown, and

work through the series of guided

rubber bands or numbered tiles, yet

that keeps it fresh for everyone.”

exercises, followed by another

each task demanded participants’

Gillman is one of ten faculty

debrief session.

focused, active engagement,

members who assist Dr. David

For the May session, seniors

offering no place to hide in the

Hooks, head of the Institute for

in the Institute for Leadership

background. The third exercise was

Leadership. “The seniors are in

selected a trio of challenging,

an all-school version of Capture

charge of leading the activities

the Flag, with teams of eight

on Saturday morning,” Gillman

identified by colored tee shirts

continues. “When it’s their turn to run a show that involves the whole school, they want to make it shine.” War and Peace, September’s activity, is a game of trust, bluffing, and negotiating that teaches players to collaborate with their opponents rather than defeat them outright. According to Hooks, “The goal is not to declare a winner but to help

“The boys have come to expect, and enjoy, unique programs that may push or challenge them.”

roaming the campus. According to Hooks, “It was a free-for-all at the beginning but improved as the boys collaborated and strategized.” Once again, each session concluded in a senior-led debriefing, providing a crucial opportunity for students to evaluate what they had just experienced, what approaches worked or

students see how leaders emerge

floundered. Each senior discussed

and why. During the debrief, we

the leadership style that the

broke into smaller groups, each

CHRIS GILLMAN ’05

activity had featured and how that

led by a senior from the Institute,

impacted the success or failure

and discussed why groups chose

of the group. The spring session

war or peace and how they made

small-group strategy games that

was universally deemed the most

those decisions. The students also

plumbed participants’ leadership

successful, and Hooks and Gillman

examined why certain people

and communication skills. Think of

credit the increased investment

emerged as leaders.”

them as ropes course style games

of the seniors in orchestrating the

without the low or high elements.

morning’s events. “The goal is for

Unbeknownst to the students at

the seniors to develop confidence

In late February, the Institute invited Richard Bello P’22, a professional leadership coach, to

the outset, each game was designed

in their ability to organize and lead

explore leadership styles and help

around a specific leadership style:

their peers,” explains Hooks. “They

students assess their own strengths

participatory, transactional, and

had some skin in the game and

and weaknesses as leaders. Due

authoritarian. The activities

didn’t want to fail in front of their

to a spike in COVID cases, his

required collaboration, strategic

peers,” Gillman adds.

presentation shifted to a virtual

thinking, and clear communication.

24 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

Frank Fritts, a history teacher

working with the Institute for Leadership, sees tremendous potential in the Institutes for Active Learning. “By zeroing in on a particular area or topic, the Institutes naturally extend what

HOW THE INSTITUTES FOR ACTIVE LEARNING WORK

Trinity-Pawling already does:

The Institutes for Active Learning, established in the fall

encourage individuals to explore

of 2021, concluded a successful inaugural year in May

larger concepts of potential interest

2022. These four tracks — environmental stewardship,

and to think in deeper ways. Active engagement within large and small groups helps students to consider group dynamics and become more self-aware.” Hooks is eager to help guide the Institute through its second year. “Programs take time to evolve, and we learned a great deal this past year. We feel confident that by continuing to brainstorm with the seniors in our

entrepreneurship, citizenship, and leadership — are geared to stretch the mind and to foster self-awareness through exploration of concepts beyond the textbook. At the end of the school year, each junior chooses the track of emphasis he wishes to pursue, similar to a college major. When they return as seniors, they assume the mantle of leadership and oversee the Institute, collaborating with the faculty attached to each Institute on collective goals. Each Institute is

group, we will tap into their interests

charged with devising and orchestrating dynamic,

and generate worthwhile student-

hands-on activities one Saturday morning per term for

centered opportunities that will

the entire student body to experience. The Institutes for

benefit all the boys and help them

Active Learning are a natural outgrowth of the three-

discover their own leadership skills.” Bill Taylor, Head of School, reflects on the value of the Institutes for Active Learning. “The Institutes’ four cornerstones — leadership, citizenship, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship — propel the development of other critical skills for 21st-century learners, including communication, collaboration, creativity, character, critical thinking, service, and self-

phase Practicum which includes the Winter Projects, the Global Collaborative Challenge, and the Senior Independent Projects. The Institutes for Active Learning encourage young men to discover their gifts that bring them joy, and can also benefit others. Along the way, they develop problemsolving and communication skills, provide engaging opportunities for teamwork and camaraderie, and discover talents and passions.

awareness. Together, they hold the key to the future of boys’ education.”

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STRIVING FOR

JUSTICE

Attorneys at Law: Bruce Birns ’70 • Mike Cerny P’17 • Michael O’Keefe ’03 • Toussaint C. Romain ’96

BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

What is the role of a lawyer? I posed that simple question to the four men featured here at the start of our conversation about their work. Their condensed responses reflect both their personalities and the field each has chosen to embrace.

Bruce Birns: A lawyer fights for justice. Mike Cerny: A lawyer shepherds people through the legal system. Michael O’Keefe: A lawyer vigorously advocates for and protects the rights of their clients. Toussaint C. Romain: A lawyer helps to heal the ills of society.

26 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

Read on to see how these men serve society as fighters, shepherds, advocates, and healers.

A career highlight as a prosecutor? The successful convictions of Ronald Timmons and Henry Bolden, the notorious Bronx “Terror Teens,” for a 1987 triple homicide in which they shot and killed three handcuffed persons and left three others for dead, all of whom later testified against the killers. The trial

BRUCE BIRNS ’70

Lawyer, Actor, Writer, Dad

lasted for nearly a decade. Timmons and Bolden are now serving prison sentences of 112 years, eligible for parole in 2112. “The hardest parts of the job when I was a D.A. were trying to convince a reluctant witness to testify;

Bruce Birns is a man of extremes. After a successful

consoling the family of the deceased during a

career as an assistant district attorney in the Bronx

homicide trial, particularly on the rare occasions the

prosecuting cases of domestic violence, child abuse,

jury came back with a ‘not guilty’ verdict; and then as

and sex crimes, he shifted in 2011 to the other side

a defense attorney, telling my client that he wasn’t

of the courtroom as a criminal defense lawyer. “After

getting out for a long, long time.”

three decades as a prosecutor, I felt there was nothing

Birns’ pursuit of criminal law was inspired by his

left for me to accomplish.” He joined the City of

father, a high-ranking prosecutor and appellate

New York’s Assigned Counsel Plan and serves as a

judge in Manhattan. After graduating from Columbia

court-appointed attorney representing higher profile,

University, Birns earned his degree in 1978 from

complex cases.

Fordham University School of Law.

“I had been convinced that criminal defense

“My desire to be a trial lawyer was cemented on

attorneys were the defendants’ cohorts in crime but

a trip on May 1, 1970 with my Trinity-Pawling history

discovered there was a legitimate role for a defense

class, taught by the esteemed Miles Hubbard ’57 and

attorney: to achieve the common goal of justice. I was

Dave Erdman, to watch the Black Panther courtroom

assigned a case in which video surveillance verified

trial, presided over by my dad,” recalled Birns. “The

that my client had been arrested on manufactured

courtroom tension and drama won me over.”

evidence. After seeing that video, I realized there was

“Being a trial prosecutor in the district attorney’s

a common denominator linking both a prosecutor and

office afforded me the opportunity to combine my zeal

defense attorney: to find justice for both the victim and

for acting and need to be the center of attention with

the accused.”

the fight for justice on behalf of crime victims, in front

F A L L 2 0 2 2 27

of a jury. I loved the challenge of having to convince 12

Rosenberg, the largest boutique customs and trade

people that my argument was correct.”

firm in the United States.” Cerny stayed with Sandler,

Along the way, Birns also developed a credible side

Travis & Rosenberg until December 2020 and now

hustle — acting in film and television crime dramas

serves as chief legal officer for Charter Brokerage,

including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Ironically,

a large customs broker based in Houston, while

his character defended both a serial rapist and a child

Joy remains with ST&R. Cerny has served on the

abuser in a role as an FBI agent in Mickey Blue Eyes

Trinity-Pawling Board of Trustees since 2014. Their

and he portrayed a drug buyer in Sweet Nothing. “I

son, Matthew, graduated from Trinity-Pawling in 2017.

got to wear my father’s robes when playing the judge

Customs and international trade law deals with

in the movie Payin’ the Price,” he notes with pride.

an increasingly complicated maze of federal and

Additionally, Bruce provided technical advice to all

international requirements that companies must

three Law & Order series, ensuring courtroom scenes

comply with as they import and export goods. For

and legal references were accurate.

example, what security issues are involved when

In what he calls ‘the best non-career move of his

exporting goods from the U.S.? Does the product

life,’ Bruce married Rachel Berk in 2012. The couple

contain technology that should not be sent to the

lives in Scarsdale where they strive to stay one step

destined country for some reason? What are the taxes

ahead of their sons, Josh, 9, and Matt, 7.

and fees for imported goods? “Businesses have staff that focus on these compliance issues,” Cerny says, “and they often reach out for advice from attorneys like us who specialize in these matters.” What appeals to Cerny about this field? “I’m intrigued by travel, international business transactions, and the movement of goods. There’s always something new! As a customs and trade lawyer, I get

MIKE CERNY P’17

Untangling the Maze of International Trade Law

to visit manufacturing plants around the world and see how things such as electric vehicles, computer products, or printing presses are made, and how new technology is implemented. Fabric and the textiles used in apparel are far more technical than they were 30 years ago. I become a jack-of-all-trades and

A gifted lawyer often has the ability to transition from

learn a little bit about a lot of industries. You wouldn’t

one field to another. In Mike Cerny’s case, he shifted

expect to gain that exposure as a lawyer, but I have to

from litigating construction disputes for architects and

understand the products our clients are importing and

engineers to customs and international trade law.

exporting.”

“My wife, Joy, is also a lawyer, and she was in

Over the years, Cerny’s specialty has become

customs and trade. I enjoyed hearing about her work,

duty drawback, one of the oldest laws in the country,

so in 1994, we decided to establish Cerny Associates

dating back to 1789. “Duty drawback is a refund that

and our own global customs brokerage, which we

companies get when they import goods, pay the duty,

ran until 2017 when we merged with Sandler, Travis &

and then export those goods, or goods manufactured

28 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

with those imported items,” he explains. “It’s basically

have another mind address a problem provides a

an incentive for companies to export goods. We want

different perspective — it’s like two computers working

export jobs in the U.S. — we want companies to be

together rather than one.”

exporting more.” Cerny spent more than a decade drafting a bill that ultimately modernized drawback and became part of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (TFTEA). “We came up with the concept in 2002. I began drafting the language in 2004 and spent the subsequent 14 years getting the bill through Congress. I went to Capitol Hill many years in a row to meet Senators and members of Congress and to argue for this bill.” Congress passed the bill in December 2015; President Obama signed it into law in February 2016; and the drawback part of TFTEA became effective in 2018. “This process took a lot of time and effort, but it was deeply gratifying to see it come to fruition.” Cerny shares another salient observation. “NAFTA

MICHAEL O’KEEFE ’03

Protecting Inventors’ Intellectual Property Michael O’Keefe took a circuitous route to becoming a lead patent attorney at IBM. After earning his juris

(North American Free Trade Act) was passed in 1993.

doctorate in 2010, O’Keefe spent several years as an

At that point, the majority believed the freer the

NCAA Compliance Officer at the University of Central

trade, the better. However, the world has changed

Florida and Texas Christian University. “I loved working

over 30 years, and we’ve moved to a system of fair,

in the collegiate athletics arena and wouldn’t be

safe, and secure trade. Today, we use trade as a

where I am today without the people I met and the

measure to coerce a particular country to come into

experiences I encountered.” However, he was drawn

alignment with the rest of the world. For example,

to the field of patent law which allowed him to tap into

the Trump administration enacted the Section 301

all aspects of his educational background.

Tariffs to respond to intellectual property concerns

“In order to qualify for the patent bar exam and be

in China. China obviously wants to export goods to

considered a patent attorney, one must hold a degree

the U.S., but now there’s a 25% increase in duties on

in a science-related field and have passed a state bar

many products. Our job is to anticipate and react on

exam. My civil engineering undergraduate degree,

behalf of our clients and help them comply with the

electrical engineering master’s degree, law degree,

requirements as they change.”

and passage of the patent bar exam and Florida bar

“Very few people go into law school knowing what

exam qualified me as a patent attorney. Patent law

they want to pursue,” Cerny concludes. “You usually

gives me the opportunity to help craft some aspects

try a couple fields and then find your way to your

of future technology through the protection of

specialty, or it finds you, as was my case. It’s highly

inventors' intellectual property rights.”

unusual for a married couple to set up a practice,

The patent process was created in 1790 to protect

but it’s been great for us. I’ve become a much better

intellectual property and allow people to develop,

lawyer because of working with my wife, Joy. To

market, and profit from their inventions. A patent

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holder has the right to exclude others from making,

O’Keefe says he enjoys the challenge of convincing

using, selling, and importing the patented invention

the examiner that he’s right when defending an

in the U.S. for 20 years from the date of filing with

application. “The examiners act as both opposing

the United States Patent and Trademark Office. That

counsel and judge, so I have to figure out how to

sounds like a long time, but the early years are mired

communicate and collaborate with each one. Proving

in the legal system trying to get the patent granted.

my points while taking in their alternative positions

As an aside, this is why seeing "patent pending"

involves the art of high-level negotiation. I can be

acts merely as a warning but has no immediate legal

pleasantly argumentative but respectful. And in

impact on its own if someone were to copy the patent

terms of writing, one sentence can make or break

pending item. Until that pending patent is granted, the

the application. The power of the written and spoken

inventors have no protections. However, if the patent

word is central to this entire process. It all comes

is eventually granted, a person that copied and sold

down to effective communication and collaboration,

the patent pending item can be sued for damages by

and I’m constantly learning as I teach, guide, and

the inventors.

argue my cases.”

According to O’Keefe, there’s been an explosion of

O’Keefe lives in Patterson, New York (in the same

software patent applications in the last few decades

house where he grew up!) with his wife Kristen, and

due to the proliferation of computing technology in

their children Caroline, 6, and Owen, 3.

modern society, and IBM has ranked number one in U.S. patent issuances each of the past 29 years. Here’s how the process works: If IBM wishes to file an application for an invention developed by employee inventors, a patent professional, such as O’Keefe or a member of his team, draft an application, commonly in excess of 30 pages of text and figures, to describe the invention in a manner that allows an individual knowledgeable in the art to replicate the invention. “Part of my job is to communicate to a person of ordinary skill in the art of what the invention can do. After I file the application with the U.S. Patent and

TOUSSAINT C. ROMAIN ’96

Catalyst for Change

Trademark Office, they search the public sphere to

Toussaint C. (TC) Romain was eleven years old when

ascertain if this invention is novel. They’ll show me

he felt his first call to become a lawyer.

prior similar examples, and I have to explain what’s

“I was with my grandma, sitting in her home in

unique about this invention. For instance, imagine I

April 1992 as we watched the Rodney King ‘not

am proposing a pencil eraser. The U.S. Patent and

guilty’ verdict be read. Tears of frustration, sadness,

Trademark Office will find plenty of other examples

and anger streamed down her face, and I vowed I

of erasers, so I have to prove that mine is different,

never wanted to see her cry like that again. To this

that it attaches to the pencil in a unique way, or

day, that image still haunts and motivates me.” Years

that it provides a superior or revolutionary erasing

later, someone challenged Romain when he voiced

experience.”

frustration at the legal system and told him, ‘If you

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don’t like the law, do something about it. Become a lawyer.’ Romain’s grandmother passed in 2010, but she did see him become a lawyer committed to the public good. While studying criminal justice and economics at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Romain pursued a half-dozen internships in different fields of law. “Even as an undergrad, I would go to the jails, interview the clients, and find out about the crime they were charged with.” Each exposure convinced

“ TRINITY-PAWLING CHANGED MY LIFE AS A STUDENT. THEN, AND IN THESE LAST SIX YEARS SERVING ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE SCHOOL HAS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE A SAFE HAVEN THAT REPLENISHES ME.” — TOUSSAINT C. ROMAIN ’96

him he wanted to work directly with clients where he could have the greatest impact, which led him to spend a decade as a public defender. “I wanted to save the world and win all my cases. My office became a revolving door of indigent clients. That confirmed we needed systemic changes to

exhilarating but draining.” In May 2022, Romain became CEO of the Charlotte

improve the community.” Romain began to partner

Center for Legal Advocacy, overseeing 70 lawyers and

with public and private foundations to develop after-

paralegals. “We are advocates for the people, focusing

school programs and community centers in Charlotte.

on civil law and representing families, veterans,

“We sourced free bus passes; Apple and Microsoft

immigrants, seniors, and people with disabilities. Our

donated computers; we created a music program.

clients fall below the federal poverty income level of

These kids are dying for opportunities to get involved,

approximately $14,000 or less. In 2021, we handled

to have alternatives. Over the last ten years, we’ve

more than 4,500 cases. Failing to address civil issues

had a 99% success rate with our kids matriculating

leads directly to crimes of desperation, committed by

to college or trade schools, joining the military, or

someone who has been failed by the system.”

gaining full-time employment.” While serving as a public defender and community

Romain summarizes his guiding principles. “We create change one action at a time. So I ask myself,

advocate, Romain also taught criminal justice courses

What small steps can I take today that will benefit

at UNC Charlotte and made time to speak across

people tomorrow, the next decade, or century? Will

the country on topics of race and leadership. He

my impact matter? In Charlotte, I can advocate for the

gained national recognition — without seeking it — for

people and be a catalyst for change. I have access

his selfless work as a peacekeeper and civil rights

to people who have the means and willingness to

leader during the riots that followed the police’s

listen, learn, and help. When the poorest among us

fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte in

are supported, everyone wins. As Sir Edmund Burke

September 2016.

reminds us, ‘All that evil needs to succeed is for good

“I already had a behind-the-scenes public speaking platform, but after the Charlotte riots, more and more

people to do nothing.’” Romain lives in Charlotte with his three children:

people reached out to me seeking guidance and

Simone Dominique, 14; Toussaint Crosby II, 12; and

inviting me to speak to their organizations. It was

Lathan Xavier, 9.

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pride athletics GUESS WHAT, PRIDE FANS? THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER … IT’S TIME … TIME TO ENJOY PRIDE FALL SPORTS! BY CHRIS GILLMAN ’05

It’s the start of our 2022-2023 school year and that means one thing — our fall coaches and athletes are busy! This will be an exciting season at Trinity-Pawling as cross country, football, mountain biking, and soccer look to compete in their respective leagues.

CROSS COUNTRY Trinity-Pawling cross country is looking to build off of a solid 2021 campaign that saw many exciting victories over league opponents. While TPXC graduated some top runners, Harry Clark ’23 and Tyler Olsen ’24 are stepping in to fill those spikes. TPXC started the season with travel to Choate Rosemary Hall for a scrimmage on Saturday, September 17, before opening up their 2022 season with an all-boys showdown at Salisbury. On September 24, the Pride ran against rivals Salisbury and Avon Old Farms. On October 15 the Blue and Gold were on their home course, as TPXC welcomed Hotchkiss and Millbrook.

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FOOTBALL Trinity-Pawling football is ready to forge ahead of their 2021 season when the team finished 3-5, earning big victories over rival schools Salisbury, Hotchkiss, and Kent. While the Pride did graduate several key players, especially offensively, several young leaders are ready to step up and help lead this team. Quarterback Zack Hios ’23 (Monmouth commit) looks to take charge with an extra year of experience under his belt. He has some speedy and slick receivers to find downfield in Jalen Greene ’23 and captain Garrett Backus ’23. The Pride also expects major contributions from seniors and four-year players Kojo Arthur-Mensah, Brandon Daley, and Braden Root. With the addition of some valuable and experienced PGs, the Pride looks to gel early and make some noise in conference play. The Pride scrimmaged against Williston on Saturday, September 10, before knocking helmets at Salisbury on September 17. The Pride took Coratti Field for their home opener on October 1 vs. Taft School.

SOCCER

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Trinity-Pawling soccer is excited to take the pitch this season with a more experienced squad. Perhaps the youngest lineup in the Founders League in 2021, the Pride is ready to bring some speed and make the game difficult for their opponents. The Pride soccer team spent some time in Costa Rica training and scrimmaging many high-end soccer clubs — the team returned home with a 3-3 record. Seniors Andrew Belcher, Farhaan Rashid, and Carson Sibilio — with help from juniors Sal Zani, Gabe Auringer, and a couple of new faces, the Trinity-Pawling soccer team showcased their skill during the opening contest at Wooster on September 14. Pride fans showed up for the home field advantage as Frederick Gunn School came to town on September 17.

Mountain biking is looking to complete another historic season in 2022. In 2021, mountain biking swept the Housatonic Mountain Biking League and was crowned 2021 Champions. With a large group of racers returning, it should be another exciting season. Seniors Alex Kozin, Rain Xia, and Jon Twadell, in addition to Captain Henry Beimler ’24, are geared up to bring more hardware to our display case. Trinity-Pawling mountain bikers were ready to roll on September 21 as they traveled to Kent School for the opening race of 2022.

LET’S GO PRIDE FANS — GET EXCITED!

ROLL PRIDE! F A L L 2 0 2 2 33

pride spotlight

2022 Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall Of Fame Inductees KEVIN MCCLATCHY ’81 – CHUKKY OKOBI ’96 – DAN ROONEY ’81 BY JOHN R. NEWMAN

It was a big decision for

Kevin McClatchy ’81 and his family when he moved 3,000 miles from San Francisco, California to Pawling, New York in the fall of 1977 to attend prep school. McClatchy had struggled in school, especially in language arts, due to dyslexia. His parents had learned of Trinity-Pawling School’s language retraining program while he was a freshman attending school in his hometown and they encouraged McClatchy to apply. He was, in his words, “not on the right path educationally, especially with reading.” He and his parents felt he needed a fresh start and a new focus. The daunting prospect of starting over so far from home was made somewhat less stressful because McClatchy knew Trinity-Pawling had a strong sports program. Playing sports as a young boy in California was the key outlet for McClatchy to express himself and strengthen his self-esteem. He played multiple sports growing up. He had a particular affinity for football, basketball, baseball, and tennis. Playing sports gave McClatchy confidence and helped offset some of the social pressures he felt from earning low marks in school. Although he quickly formed a group of friends on the football team, McClatchy nonetheless felt an overwhelming culture shock at first. Very few of the other students were as far away from home as McClatchy. He recalls the kindness he received from a postgraduate student, Asa Hilliard ’78, who was also from San Francisco. “Asa was a mentor and a friend. He was older, and he kept an eye on me.” McClatchy felt a similar sense of comfort as he settled into classes in the language retraining program. “The program worked,” he said. “For one thing, it was a great

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feeling knowing I wasn’t alone. For the first time, I was in a classroom with other students who learned, and didn’t learn, like me.” McClatchy said the instruction he received as a student in Trinity-Pawling’s language retraining program gave him belief that he had never had in a school setting. He referred to the start of the program as “Square One,” a complete reset on his method of learning. “It built a new foundation for me. Not only did my grades improve, I developed motivation to succeed and excel.” For the first time as a student, McClatchy said he “could see a light at the end of the tunnel.” As the first break of the school year approached in November, it seemed like every boarding student was preparing to return home to be with his family for Thanksgiving. The break wasn’t quite long enough for McClatchy to fly home to California, but one of his football teammates, another freshman from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania named Dan Rooney, invited McClatchy to come home with him. It was during this fall break in Pittsburgh that Kevin McClatchy discovered his vocation to make a mark in the world of professional sports. It would be fair to describe McClatchy’s hosts for Thanksgiving in the fall of 1977 as sports royalty. When he arrived, McClatchy met Art Rooney Sr., “The Chief” who was the Pro Football Hall of Fame founder and owner of the famed Pittsburgh Steelers franchise of the National Football League. He also happened to be McClatchy’s friend Dan’s grandfather. The Steelers in the 1970s established a pro football dynasty that included four Super Bowl wins, with future legends and Hall of Fame players that included Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, “Mean” Joe Green, Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, and Rocky Bleier. Hall of Fame legend Chuck Noll was the Steelers’ head coach from 1969 to 1991. That week, McClatchy met them all. “It was inspiring to meet those athletes,” McClatchy said. “I knew one day I wanted to be in professional sports.” McClatchy’s first shot came after seeing a story about a Sacramento manufacturing magnate named Fred Anderson who had recently purchased the Modesto A’s, the 1-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics. McClatchy was working for his

family’s newspaper business at the time. It was his first job after graduating from University of California, Santa Barbara. On a whim, McClatchy picked up the phone in the newsroom and called Anderson, who had publicly mulled plans to move the minor league team to Sacramento. McClatchy called, not to get the scoop on the proposed move, but to convince Anderson it was a bad idea. Days later, much to McClatchy’s surprise, Anderson called him back and told him to come to his office the following Saturday. When McClatchy arrived, Anderson said, “Okay, tell me more.” Impressed by Dan Rooney ’81, Dan Rooney, Sr., and Art Rooney II McClatchy’s baseball IQ and his gumption, In its debut season in 2001, PNC Park hosted a franchiseAnderson hired McClatchy, then in his 20s, record 2,436,290 fans. ESPN has since heralded it as “The best to be President of Baseball Operations for the Modesto A’s. The ballpark in America,” adding, “the Pirates and the public built a two men made a run at team ownership of the Oakland A’s in stadium that is not only located in Pittsburgh but one that is part 1994, putting together a group of investors that ultimately finished of Pittsburgh.” In the same year, the Pirates organization’s annual second in the running. revenue quadrupled since 1995, to about $110 million. Its payroll, Despite being runners-up in the bid to buy the A’s, McClatchy which had stood at just $9 million in 1997, soared to $51 million. throughout the process established a reputation for being a shrewd All of this happened on the watch of new Pirates owner, Kevin baseball executive and negotiator. He earned credibility in what McClatchy ’81, who was inducted into the Trinity-Pawling is often a very political environment. “We achieved a fair amount Athletic Hall of Fame on October 1, 2022. McClatchy’s advice for of notoriety for our efforts,” he said. Two years later, McClatchy current Trinity-Pawling students is to discover what their passion received another phone call, this time from his Trinity-Pawling is and to follow that passion. He says not to be afraid to make a classmate, roommate, and teammate, Dan Rooney. “Danny called phone call or take chances in life. As for being inducted into the and said, ‘The Pirates are available.’” AHOF, McClatchy said he is thrilled. “It is truly an honor. To go McClatchy led a group of 24 investors over a nine-month in with Dan makes it all the more special.” period to purchase the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1996. At the time of the purchase, the Pirates were last in revenue, last in attendance, and last in the Major League Baseball standings. There was serious talk of moving the team from the sports-loving city of Pittsburgh to Northern Virginia or possibly Orlando, Florida. Channeling the moxie of that call to Fred Anderson in his 20s, McClatchy said, “No way.” Arguably the biggest accomplishment of Kevin McClatchy’s ownership of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1996 to 2008 was the construction of PNC Park. McClatchy was relentless in his pursuit of a new stadium in Pittsburgh that was worthy of the city and its fans. He began lobbying from day one, meeting with countless civic groups for support, and promising not only that the Pirates would stay in Pittsburgh, but that they would play in a ballpark revered as the finest in all of professional baseball.

Dan Rooney ’81 was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the middle son of nine children to Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Rooney, Sr. and Patricia Rooney. He attended a small Catholic grade school and struggled with classwork and grades. “I couldn’t read,” said Rooney. “I acted out in class to avoid being called on to read out loud.” In eighth grade, Rooney’s parents had him undergo some testing for specific learning differences and he was diagnosed with dyslexia. Never really wanting to leave Pittsburgh, Rooney transferred to an even smaller private school for eighth and ninth grade, where he and his parents thought he would receive the kind of individualized attention he needed to accommodate his challenges in the classroom, but he still struggled.

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“I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK. I PLAYED SPECIAL TEAMS AND HAD TO DO WHATEVER I COULD TO HELP THE TEAM WIN, TO HELP IN ANY WAY.” — DAN ROONEY ’81

Ultimately, Rooney and his family made the decision to send Dan to Trinity-Pawling School, where he reclassified as a freshman and enrolled in the language retraining program. “We started with the alphabet, parts of speech, writing simple sentences. The small classes made it impossible to get lost, and no one acted out.” Rooney said for the first time in his school career he felt “productive” and “safe” in his classes at Trinity-Pawling. Reluctant at first to move away from home, Rooney said he made friends quickly, especially through football and other sports. “The friendships were probably the biggest surprise.” He said he remembers fondly watching his classmates compete during hockey season. His favorite memory of his time at Trinity-Pawling was the “Stepping Up” ceremony at the end of the year. When Rooney graduated from Trinity-Pawling, he was keen to continue his football career at the next level. He enrolled at Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania where he played football all four years. His football career at Washington & Jefferson differed from his experience at Trinity-Pawling because he was no longer the starting quarterback. “I learned a lot about the importance of teamwork. I played special teams and had to do whatever I could to help the team win, to help in any way.” Rooney’s role as a utility player on the football team at Washington & Jefferson helped inform the advice he said he would give to current Trinity-Pawling athletes: “Enjoy every minute, however small you think your role is on the team. Enjoy putting on your uniform. Enjoy competing with your teammates.” Rooney’s love of football was certainly no surprise given his upbringing in one of the most famous football families in sports history. After he graduated from college with a degree in Business Administration, Rooney worked in the insurance industry for several years before football came calling again. He moved to North Carolina and began teaching and coaching football. In 1997, Rooney approached his father about joining the Steelers organization in a professional capacity. “He said,

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‘Yes. Until the end of the season,’ but he never said which season, so I stayed for 25 years.” Rooney says “family and football” are his two biggest priorities. “In that order,” he added. He is married to Allison Rooney, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Brendan and John, ages 23 and 20. Rooney is the Player Personnel Coordinator for the Steelers and is part of the ownership group. He has responsibilities for scouting and recruiting players from Southeastern schools, reporting up to his brother, Art Rooney II, who is owner and President of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Patience, fairness, and consistency are some of the hallmarks of the Rooney family ownership of the Steelers. “The Rooney Rule” was established under Dan Rooney Sr.’s chairmanship of the league’s diversity committee. It requires all teams in the NFL who are seeking a new head coach to include an interview with at least one ethnic minority candidate. Current Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who was hired in 2007 as just the third Steelers head coach in 53 years, is the longest-tenured African American head coach in NFL history. He won Super Bowl XLIII in 2009 and has never had a losing season. Born in Pittsburgh the same year that Kevin McClatchy and Dan Rooney met at Trinity-Pawling, Chukwunweze Sonume “Chukky” Okobi ’96 was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2001. He was a member of the Steelers team that won Super Bowl XL in 2006 under Hall of Fame head coach Bill Cowher. On October 1, Okobi joined McClatchy and Rooney as an inductee to Trinity-Pawling School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Chukky Okobi says he believes anything is possible. “Coach Coratti taught me if you want to change what is happening around you, you have to master what is happening within you.” In his current work, Okobi incorporates “neurolinguistics” or the language of the mind, to train individuals and groups to harness the power of positive thinking. He advises clients to use “introspective storytelling”

to achieve momentous goals. Key to his own success has been the question, “What story am I telling myself?” Remarkably, Okobi did not begin playing football until he arrived at Trinity-Pawling. A natural and gifted athlete, as a child Okobi and his mother and siblings moved around a lot. Because of this, he found it difficult to “settle in” and find balance and structure in his life. As his father was not present in his life, Okobi says he “collected father figures,” several of whom he encountered at Trinity-Pawling. “Coach Coratti, Ned Reade, Ted Kneeland, Bill Taylor. These men taught me that I belonged. T-P was the first place I felt I was part of the tribe.” Okobi said he found his footing in the fall of 1992 as a freshman at Trinity-Pawling, partly because, he said, “Everyone was new, so for the first time in six years I was not the only ‘new kid’ in school.” Being in a place where he believed he could establish himself and where he felt he belonged allowed Okobi to open his imagination to new possibilities. Already an extraordinarily talented individual, he began to picture a life for himself in which he was the champion of his own destiny. Football became the primary vehicle for Okobi’s lofty ambitions. “It started after sophomore year when I really started moving towards a goal to play professional football. It was one idea in one person’s mind. As I watched the NFL draft, it occurred to me,” Okobi said, “They are picking somebody. Why not me?” During the summer following his junior year, Okobi attended an intensive “full pads” football camp at The University of Kentucky (UK) that would prove to be a pivotal time in his football career. He went, he said, because he was “curious to see how good I was.” He felt tremendous anxiety and even fear when

he arrived for camp. Many of the players were bigger and faster than he was, and the camp was known to attract Division I scouts from top-ranked universities. Okobi said he experienced firsthand during camp at UK the “fight or flight” instincts that kick in when humans face fear. “I chose to fight,” he said. “What I learned at Kentucky, where the guys were bigger and stronger, was to hit them before they hit me.” This approach clearly paid dividends when Okobi was offered a full scholarship in January 1996 to be an offensive lineman at Purdue. His attitude at that stage of his career shifted from “How good am I?” to “How good can I be?” Okobi was a four-year starter at Purdue under head coach Joe Tiller. He helped lead the Boilermakers to a nationally televised home opening victory in 1997 over perennial powerhouse Notre Dame (a career highlight Okobi says surpasses his Super Bowl victory) and a Big Ten championship in 2000, followed by a BCS Bowl berth to the Rose Bowl. When Okobi was converted from being a right guard to center in his senior year, he snapped the ball on every down to Heisman Trophy runner-up, Super Bowl MVP, and future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. Okobi says many of his closest friends today are classmates he met at Trinity-Pawling. He believes the success he had as a professional athlete may have helped pave the path for other members of the Pride who came after him, including Shayne Skov ’09 and Charles Spencer ’01, who also had NFL careers. This is what Okobi believes to be his legacy at Trinity-Pawling, and the impetus for his selection to the Athletic Hall of Fame. “Faith is belief without evidence, but once you have evidence — once you see someone who looks like you doing the things you want to do — the feat becomes attainable.” Okobi’s advice for current Trinity-Pawling students, whether on the gridiron or in the classroom, is in keeping with this philosophy: “Never lose your imagination. If you can see it, you can be it.”

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connections Dan Parker ’07 on the Importance of Giving Back BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

Dan Parker grew up in a family that understood the importance of giving back to one’s community. “My greatgrandmother, who had a third-grade education, was the model. Over many years she took people into her home and offered food, shelter, and love. This approach continues through my volunteer work with the Marie Nesbitt Promise Prize®, established in her honor. The Promise Prize provides leadership development programs and scholarship grants to high-potential students through selected universities and colleges. This has really opened my eyes to the importance of supporting the places and people that have sustained me.” Parker came to Trinity-Pawling as a freshman and quickly admits the transition was not easy, especially in those early years. “Even at my lowest points as I struggled to find myself, T-P did not give up on me. Ned Reade and Coach Coratti, just to name a few, stuck with me and provided support. TrinityPawling was a safe place, a foundation, and a cornerstone of my life path. The stability and guidance I experienced in my four years helped me evolve as a young man. I developed persistence, self-confidence, and courage.” Athletics were a crucial element

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for Parker, who played football at Fordham University for four years and graduated with degrees in business administration, marketing, and entrepreneurship. “I look at everything through the lens of teamwork. As an athlete and now as a vice president at Chase Bank and manager of a branch in Boston, I give my all and coach and support my team to do the same. Trinity-Pawling taught me about effort, integrity, and personal responsibility. These traits touch everything I do, from my work at Chase to raising my two wonderful children, Dakota and Dan Junior. Darlena and I work together to give our children a foundation based upon these shared values.” Head of School Bill Taylor invited Parker to serve as a Young Alumnus Trustee in September 2021, a three-year term. “Erik Olstein ’86, P’11,’14,’17 and others have been influential in helping me learn how to participate in an educational board,” Parker notes. “We gain intimate knowledge of the School but remain at the 30,000-foot level to look to the future as we consider what is best

for the School. Coming back three times a year and reconnecting with the faculty and now my fellow trustees only increases my incredible respect for this community.” Parker has contributed to the Trinity-Pawling Fund every year since graduation and easily expresses his gratitude in serving the School in his role as a trustee. “I am honored to be a member of the Board of Trustees, and I credit my mom for guiding me to Trinity-Pawling and for modeling the importance of giving back.”

We make learning happen everywhere. Classroom, quad, court, dorm, dining hall, chapel — the Trinity-Pawling experience provides countless opportunities for growth and learning no matter where our students may be. With qualified and caring mentors ever-present in our students’ lives, we are able to make lessons meaningful and impart guidance beyond compare. Trinity-Pawling’s transformative learning experience goes beyond classroom walls to help students discover their distinctive gifts and talents. Your support has enabled Trinity-Pawling to reimagine the future of boys’ education and develop an ambitious strategic vision — a vision that is committed to growth. With its rich history and traditions; a forward-thinking mindset; and a generous community of alumni, families, and friends, Trinity-Pawling has the capacity to build on its strength and momentum. The time is now! Your commitment and generosity will provide the opportunity for dynamic initiatives and campus improvements, helping the School to make a transformational difference in the lives of our students — today and for generations to come.

Help make every moment at Trinity-Pawling an opportunity for learning! Give today via the envelope in this magazine or safely and securely online at www.trinitypawling.org/give Thank you for your continued investment in Trinity-Pawling.

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The Coughlin Family Legacy Leads to Two Enduring Gifts BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

Left to right in foreground: Board President Erik Olstein, David Coughlin, Terry Coughlin, Head of School Bill Taylor

107 years. That’s how long the Coughlin family has been connected with the School. Brothers Harold 1917, Walter 1921, and Edward 1923 all graduated from the Pawling School, followed three decades later by Edward’s own two sons, Edward III (Terry) in 1952 and Dave in 1956. Dave Coughlin has furthered that connection by serving on the Board of Trustees since 1988, a 34-year tenure that is still going strong. To honor this legacy, Terry Coughlin and his wife Judith began working with Trinity-Pawling’s Office of Advancement in 2015 to set up a Charitable Remainder Trust as they planned their estate. A portion of that philanthropic gift was earmarked to establish the Coughlin Chemistry Commons within the Ebert Science and Technology Center. The two contiguous science classrooms were dedicated in early May 2022 at the conclusion of the spring Board of Trustee meetings. According to Head of School Bill Taylor, “The Coughlin Chemistry Commons will serve as the hub of the chemistry department, where students are encouraged and expected to perform hands-on experiments and engage in interactive 40 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

learning. It is through this unique learning environment that many boys have unlocked their gifts, discovered their passions, and launched their professional careers — becoming tomorrow’s problem solvers.” “The School pulled out all the stops for the dedication,” Dave remarked. “There was a huge arch with more than 200 balloons over the entrance to the science wing, and tables were loaded with snacks and drinks. Suzanne Najman, the chemistry teacher and science department chair, had arranged for several of her students to offer a chemistry demonstration that really wowed the guests. A number of our family members were able to attend the dedication, including my wife, Sam (also a legendary teacher and administrator at Hotchkiss); my son Brian, who teaches at Millbrook School; and Niall Coughlin, the son of my uncle Walter ’21.” Following remarks from Board President Erik Olstein ’86, P’11,’14,’17 and Bill Taylor on the impact of this gift, the two brothers unveiled the brass plaque that honors the five members of their family who graduated from the School. A love of science runs deep in the Coughlin family. Terry and Dave’s father, Edward, practiced medicine in

Williamstown, Massachusetts for 40 years. After studying chemistry initially with the legendary Jack Karpoe at Trinity-Pawling, Terry and Dave each earned degrees in chemistry — Terry from Princeton and Dave from Williams College. In his early career, Terry worked as a research chemist at Sprague Electric in North Adams, Massachusetts. Dave spent the first three years of his illustrious tenure at the Hotchkiss School teaching chemistry before shifting to his other love, mathematics. During the dedication ceremony, Bill Taylor announced the second portion of the munificent gift: the Coughlin Family Teaching Chair for Math and Science. Dave Coughlin devoted 42 years to teaching and coaching at Hotchkiss, where he may have been the youngest faculty member ever to be honored with an endowed teaching chair, which he held until his retirement in 2003. “It’s deeply meaningful to provide this opportunity to recognize a classic Trinity-Pawling ‘triple threat’ faculty member in the same way,” Dave observed. “The Coughlin Family Teaching Chair has been awarded to Mike Webber, who teaches environmental science and coaches varsity football and baseball. He has proven himself a consummate boarding school person since he arrived in 2003.” “These prized faculty positions are a dynamic and meaningful way to sustain Trinity-Pawling’s faculty excellence for inspiring and guiding future generations of students, while simultaneously acknowledging and celebrating the Coughlin family’s enduring history with the School,” Taylor added. Terry and Dave, the School deeply appreciates your family legacy and the impact of this philanthropic contribution to the academic life of this community.

upcoming events

LET’S CONNECT WITH OLD FRIENDS AND NEW! Mark your calendars — these are events you don't want to miss! For event details and registration, please visit trinitypawling.org/events Admissions Open House October 29, 2022 Trinity-Pawling School Boston Holiday Reception December 5, 2022 | 6:00-8:00 PM Harvard Club of Boston Hosted by Peggy and Phil Haughey ’53 Candlelight Service for Parents and Community December 11, 2022 | 5:00 PM Service held in All Saints’ Chapel followed by Reception at Gamage House Hosted by Head of School Bill Taylor and Jennifer Taylor New York City Holiday Reception December 12, 2022 | 6:30-8:30 PM Union Club of New York City Hosted by Jean Doyen de Montaillou and Michael Kovner ’58

Delray Beach, FL Reception and Golf Outing March 21, 2023 Reception: 5:30-8:00 PM Seagate Beach Club Golf: 10:45 AM The Seagate Country Club Hosted by Andy and Paul Miller ’63, P’92 Washington, D.C. Reception April 25, 2023 | 6:00-8:00 PM The Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington Hosted by Kathryn and Ken Weeman ’59, P’91 Commencement Weekend May 27, 2023 Trinity-Pawling School

To receive details about our forthcoming events, please visit www.trinitypawling.org/ alumni/update to submit your updated contact information. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jenna Jonke, Office of Advancement at jjonke@trinitypawling.org or 845-855-4886. All events are subject to change.

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend September 22-23, 2023 Trinity-Pawling School

F A L L 2 0 2 2 41

class notes | 1953 |

| 1958 |

Phil Haughey

Michael Kovner

waiting on the sidelines. I will put out my sixth photo journal this fall. I run two websites and a “Nextdoor” page. We travel extensively. We have been on all seven continents, to 90+ countries and around the world twice. All in all, I have had and am having a great life, far better than I envisioned as a student at T-P.

| 1960 | Carlos Ballantyne Phil’s daughter, Andrea Haughey Bristol, connected Phil with Ethan Abram-Hale ’24 (his mother is a friend) before he left for Pawling to start the school year. "He is a great kid, and is so excited," said Bristol. “Coach has been very kind to him and we are all looking forward to having him at T-P. He is a hockey player, and a good one, too. Thanks for keeping an eye on him," said Phil.

Jeff Nugent While many of you have already retired and are enjoying an active life during retirement, I am still teaching Economics full-time at USC. This will be my 58th year, but I am thinking of making this my last year and, as a result, since I love the ever-improving students so much, I have signed up for my heaviest teaching load ever. I have been taking notes on some of the very exciting things some of you have been doing while retired. Stay well and keep in touch.

Arrived at our house on Nantucket late this year, (late for us) on June 30th. The first person we ran into at our club, The Westmoor Club, was Liz Allen. When I wear my various T-P polo shirts around our wonderful island, I am constantly being stopped. Folks say: “my brother went there or my nephew or my son or grandson! Or even my father or grandfather.” Just last night, I met a woman whose nephew was a recent graduate and said, “you had a wonderful Headmaster, Arch Smith.” Yes, I certainly remember him and Gay, plus the first Smiths and of course Mr. Dann who was my Headmaster! Anyway, my handsome hubby Jean and I are having a great summer so far. And we’ll see everyone

C. Meade Geisel, Jr. I am living in Palm Beach, Florida and see Michael Kovner ’58 frequently.

42 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

Memorial.

in the fall on Reunion Weekend.

William N. Temple I have enjoyed reestablishing contact with Brad Ficken, Dirk Schultz, Web Russell, Dick Weist, and Ken Rudolph, via email and Facebook.

| 1956 |

I’m alive and well in the Sedona, AZ area hiking in the red rock mountains 3-5 times a week. Completed a 4-month, 12,000-mile road trip with a girlfriend last summer/ fall 2021 to the NY 1000 Islands; Au Sable, Michigan; Badlands; Yellowstone; Teton Glacier; Yosemite; and Crazy Horse

Webster Russell Going on 82 and I’m still above ground and not in jail. One would think things would slow down at my age, however that is not the case. I am now a great-grandfather for the second time, I have a granddaughter about to graduate from college, one grandson that graduated from high school, and another one starting his senior year this fall. I am finishing my seventh book, and third novel, with two more patiently

| 1962 | Tom Linacre On May 21, I organized a charity motorcycle ride in Ravenna, MI to raise funds for a local church that burned down. With 43 motorcycles and 60 riders, we raised a total of $8,030 from ride registration fees, food and beverage sales, and donations. The pastor of the church that was destroyed said he can see the similarities between the fundraising effort and what his church does each week: a gathering of fellowship and bread breaking — a congregation of community to celebrate and support each other.

| 1963 |

| 1968 |

Robert Allen

Peter and Tim McCabe

Desrosier, Ken Lovisa, and R. Scott Ford. I am looking forward to our 50th reunion in Fall 2023.

| 1975 | Mike Waller

A year ago, last January I retired as founding partner and managing director of Redding Consultants. Despite all there is to do on my farm in Charlottesville, Virginia, I do not enjoy retirement. I miss the challenge of problem-solving and dealing with clients and highly intelligent and well-paid staff. However, I continue my high-adventure travel. Last year, I was in Kamchatka, the formerly forbidden province of Siberia, hunting moose. Add to that Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia, and you should get the picture. In a month, I leave for Southern Africa with my fiancé to show her why Africa has had such an appeal to me. That is not to say that the years and my many misadventures have not taken their toll. Somehow, I seem to be 6” shorter than I was when I was with you in school at T-P and the aches and pains are something I live with every day. Nonetheless, life is good. I am happy and

Peter McCabe ’68 and Tim McCabe ’69 recently attended the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. What a great experience — especially for these 2 Trinity-Pawling runners!

| 1969 | Emlen M. Drayton My first-born daughter Maggie got married on July 21, and her groomsmen were my three sons, Fritz, Emo, and Henry.

| 1970 |

service to our school.”

Charlie Mason Just got together and had lunch with Jim Harmon. All good with both of us.

| 1972 | Bill Cummings

hopefully soon to be married.

| 1967 | Andrew Hyatt Masset Just wrapped a “special” episode of Beyond Salem in Los Angeles during the week of July 10-15, episode #4. I play “Devils Advocate.” Be well and fight on Pride!

In March 2022, I was recognized as Teacher of the Year by my school, Holy Trinity Episcopal School in Houston, TX. This is what the Head of School sent out in his weekly letter to parents: “Finally, I announced this week at Chapel that this year’s winner of our Teacher of the Year voting is Mr. Mike Waller. Mike was chosen by the faculty and staff for many reasons. Among them are his dedication to his students and his willingness to take on any task with a servant’s heart. In addition to teaching 5th grade this year, Mike serves as Assistant Head of School and is an important piece of our administrative team. He will be honored later this month along with other Lake Houston Area Teachers of the Year at a reception sponsored by Partnership Lake Houston. Please join me in thanking Mr. Waller for his outstanding

WOW, 50 years ago! Have to wonder when the Gardiner Arts Center was renovated what they found in the ceiling and the bases of those 35mm Peerless Projectors! A few of us know!

| 1973 | Willis H. Stephens, Jr. I am in regular contact with Chris Roux, Tom Ahrensfeld, Bryan Colley, James

| 1978 | Peter Schreckinger Both Anne and I continue to enjoy life in Guilford, Connecticut. Our daughter Phoebe and her beau Sidney, who met at Grinnell some years ago, are heading back to Chicago after a year of living in Seattle, peppered with another European stint ending up in Czechoslovakia. Anne is continuing to teach at a Yale-supported social justice school in New Haven, post her NYC career of two decades of having taught in Harlem. Pretty good for a Republican from Greenwich. I am moving along with the business of energy storage as a means to save the environment as well as modernize the grid from a distributed technology standpoint. Hopefully, our signature product is coming soon to a utility load zone near you. (www.avatu.io/) In retrospect, my endorsement for TrinityPawling is unyielding. It did more for me than any other school would have ever done, as did my classmates and others, both with us, and remembered.

F A L L 2 0 2 2 43

class notes | 1982 |

Andrew Smilie

| 1997 |

After a wonderful 25 years of military

Michael Danforth

service, I have retired. I am a Certified

Jensen Massop

Information Systems Security Professional, now serving by defending cyberspace as a civilian.

| 1995 | JP Burlington I recently joined a new start-up with a

I am currently still teaching 6-9th grade

client of mine on document security using

in a public school. During the pandemic,

a patented blockchain software technology.

I was looking to start my own business

I am VP for Business Development at

again. I have branched off and started my

TruDoss, LLC. Photo is with Ed Gardner

own private hockey academy. I have been

’82 in Vero Beach, Florida.

coaching for over 15 years but now we are doing so on a more serious note! Just

| 1984 | Chris Gaylord

The Burlington family had an incredible

came back from my first own camp where

week at Disney World in June. We

I had 65 players representing 6 countries

happened to bump into Richard Bolding

and 18 players play on national teams and

’20, working at Disney and participating in

5 professionally in the NHL and or SHL.

The Walt Disney World College Program. If

So, all in all not a bad start with the new

you happen to be at Disney World, head to

company. Massop Hockey Sweden will

the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and say hi.

hopefully be doing a camp this coming fall on campus.

| 1997 | | 1998 | Bill Glover Nick Fernandez

Enjoyed a terrific time on the Cape with Wilson Leech, his wife Meagan, and Tim Rooney. I have had a permanent smile on my face ever since.

| 1988 | Brian Stone After 29 years working in a variety of

Happy to share the good news that our

roles in the consumer packaged goods

fellow classmate, David Wechsler, got

I got married on April 10, 2021 to Lauren

industry, I am happy to share that I have

married this summer. He’s never been

Lynch. We welcomed Camille Mercedes

joined Deloitte Consulting as a manager

happier and we’ve never been happier for

Fernandez on August 25, 2021.

in the consumer and marketing division.

him. With fellow class of 1997 grads, Greg

My new role is to work with clients in the

Howe and Peter Gesswein, we celebrated

areas of pricing, promotion, strategy, and

Jerry’s good fortune in Milwaukee,

merchandising.

Wisconsin, as one does. We had a fantastic time and wish our good friend Wex nothing but the best.

44 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

Brian Schwarz

| 2006 |

| 2013 |

Tim Stehly

Rodney Gibson Drysdale

Last Mile PEV where we sell electric bikes,

My wife and I welcomed our second son

After six and a half years together, Gibson

scooters, and skateboards. If you know

Parker back in August 2021. He joins

and Kara Lynn Sweeney were finally

either of us, stop in and say hello!

Kieran, who is now 4 years old. We are still

married at St. Gregory the Great Church

living just outside of Boston, MA.

in Harrison, NY on February 26, 2022.

My brother Peter (Class of 1993) and I just opened up a shop in the West Village called

| 2000 |

It was an amazing day and the bride and

Taylor Maury Philip Schacter

groom never left the dance floor. T-P alums Christopher Drysdale ’15 served as the Best Man and Billy Bauckham ’14 also served as a groomsman.

| 2016 | Abdulrahman Alagil I married my wife, Aljohara in December Harry Flack, Johnny Powers, Taylor Maury, I am a Critical Transport Nurse at

and JT Fine from the Class of 2006 had

Westchester Medical Hospital in Valhalla,

a great week in Martha’s Vineyard with

NY. I have been there for 14 years. I have

plenty of cocktails and catching up on old

been married to Laura for 13 years. I have

times.

2 daughters, Lily and Luna, and a dog named Biscuits. I am in school studying

2021 and completed a degree in Finance & Mathematics from Wagner College in 2020.

| 2017 | Kenny McDougal

| 2009 |

for a Master’s in Nursing Administration. It would be great to hear from any of

Colin O’Shea

my classmates. I love watching T-P play

I received a M.S. in Creative Advertising

Brunswick in football. I love biking and

from VCU in 2019. I recently moved to

enjoy my family and friends.

Weston, CT and started working in New York City in creative advertising for BBDO on the Snickers, Pedigree Pet Food, and Sandy Hook Promise accounts. Three years

Kenny and Corey were married June 24,

ago, I set a personal milestone for myself

2022.

by drinking 13 beers during Super Bowl LIII without going to the bathroom. I made it until 9 minutes left in the 4th quarter, a moment I will never forget.

F A L L 2 0 2 2 45

class notes | 2018 |

to be a force for good at the interface of entrepreneurship and socio-environmental

Beau Smith

issues. It was also awarded as the #1 Green MBA (Princeton Review: 2018, 2019, 2020) and Top 10 Better World MBA (Corporate Knights: 2020). Pretty cool! On top of that, this summer I am working for a University program that bridges the gap between researchers developing promising technology and motivated students seeking entrepreneurial/start-up

I graduated from Babson in May, majoring in finance and entrepreneurship. I also received and accepted a job from Oracle to be a functional consultant in their Boston office, which I will be starting in September! Looking forward to what’s next and grateful for the foundation that Trinity-Pawling provided me.

Joe Webber

experience. Through the program we help best position the start-up venture to meet its commercialization goals and realize its full potential in the market, focusing on technologies that have large, disruptive impacts.

| 2021 | Brendan Tierney

Hey T-P Pride! Not sure if this is relevant but thought I would share regardless. I graduated from the University of Vermont this past spring with a B.S. in Community Development and Applied Economics, Cum Laude! The "good news" is that before graduating, I was accepted into the University of Vermont’s SustainableInnovation MBA (SIMBA) program for the

Brendan Tierney was awarded the Task

2022-2023 academic year!

Force Versace Male Physical Fitness Award

The SIMBA program was designed to

at West Point, given to the male trainee with

prepare emergent leaders to take on the

the highest Army Combat Fitness Test score.

challenges of our time — recognizing the undeniable potential for business

46 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! CLASS NOTES FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF TRINITY-PAWLING MAGAZINE ARE DUE BY JANUARY 16, 2023.

Please submit your notes and photographs online at www.trinitypawling.org/classnotes

in memoriam

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of these Trinity-Pawling and Pawling School alumni. Mr. Willard Colbrath Hadley ’42, P’70, ’72 February 23, 2022 Newburyport, MA

Mr. William E. Seely, Jr. ’62 July 30, 2022 Vero Beach, FL

Mr. Stephen Wood Cornell III ’50 October 22, 2021 Key West, FL

Mr. Leland Wilkinson ’62 December 10, 2021 Winnetka, IL

Mr. Robert J. Rafelson ’50 July 23, 2022 Aspen, CO

Mr. Peter Milford ’63 March 7, 2022 Blandford, MA

Mr. John A. Hanley ’51 February 24, 2022 Manchester, CT

Mr. James R. Gilmore, Jr. ’64 February 26, 2022 Holland, OH

Mr. James A. Spear ’52 December 26, 2021 Le Roy, NY

Mr. David Dean Lindsay ’64 April 12, 2022 Norwalk, CT

Mr. William L. Cartier ’61, P’89 March 1, 2022 Newport, RI

F A L L 2 0 2 2 47

in memoriam

Mr. F. Travis Hopkins III ’69 July 20, 2022 Brewster, NY

Mr. William “Will” M. Diefenderfer IV ’97 April 25, 2022 Bethany Beach, DE

Mr. Scott Campbell Seckel ’84 May 11, 2022 Phoenix, AZ

Mr. Ryan Haynes ’08 May 3, 2022 Georgetown, Ontario

Mr. Gregory C. Egloff ’91 May 10, 2022 Bluffton, SC

We also offer our warmest condolences to the families of these former faculty, parents, and friends of Trinity-Pawling School. Mrs. Patricia Rolff P’91 October 21, 2021 Rhinebeck, NY

Mrs. Nancy K. Horncastle P’88 March 24, 2022 Fort Lauderdale, FL

Dr. Robert P. Fornshell February 10, 2022 Ridgefield, CT

Mr. William “Bill” Sabia P’07 July 1, 2022 Ridgefield, CT

This list includes individuals whose deaths were reported to the Office of Advancement prior to July 31, 2022.

48 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

from THE archives

Ropes Course, 1994

The Senior Leadership Program of the 90s BY MEGAN BURLINGTON

A feature in the Fall 1991 Trinity-Pawling Magazine highlighted the Senior Leadership Program, noting some new opportunities for the senior class to demonstrate their leadership and responsibility. Roles included Dormitory Proctors, Head Waiters, and Work Program Supervisors, while the longestablished leadership positions of elected Prefects were assigned to help oversee the dorms, the Work Program, and the Dining Hall. Mention was also made of the relatively young junior ropes course, an early portion of the leadership program meant to solidify unity among the junior class in the spring to prepare them for their increased responsibilities as seniors in the upcoming school year. Participants in the ropes course learned the necessity of cooperation and trust among teammates, enabling them to collaborate in problem solving and quickly build camaraderie with their group members. The program was started to provide these rising seniors

the training needed to lead well, giving them the skills and tools to be effective leaders. Since its inception in 1989, Trinity-Pawling’s ropes course program has been experienced by roughly 2,000 boys. The success of the program was, in part, thanks to the faculty members over the years who developed it and acted as program coordinators, as well as those who volunteered to man the two-day program. The program’s success was also measured by what the students took away from it, namely being able to take lessons they learned and translate them to real life situations back on the Trinity-Pawling campus. Head of School Bill Taylor (then assistant headmaster) had a vision of the program in its earliest years which quickly came to resemble the most recent ropes course program. Coordinators of the program have included former Dean of Residential Life Greg Carpiniello, Dean of Students Josh Collins ’95, and former faculty member Ralph Fedele ’04.

F A L L 2 0 2 2 49

end note Chris Burke P’09 – The Heart and Soul of Trinity-Pawling BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

You spent 15 years on the maintenance staff and then were promoted to Director of Building Services in 2017. You’re now the Dean of Clean! So many good people have supported me over the course of my career here. If I were to name any, I’d have to list the entire staff and faculty! But Ed Hauser, Ron Gallagher, Glenn Carey, Arch Smith, and Bill Taylor have always believed in me and helped me grow. When Ed Hauser hired me in March 2002, I told him he could call me an all-purpose employee. On the maintenance crew, I tended the grounds, painted, ran the Zamboni, set up for major events, and dealt with emergencies as they arose. Whatever needed to be done. Now, as Director of Building Services, I see myself as a concierge. I see a need, and I find a way to take care of it. When my phone rings, I answer it. When someone needs help, I reach out. My goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

What’s your secret sauce? I always give credit where credit is due. Pats on the back or a sincere thank you are genuine boosts that keep people going and show you recognize a job that’s been well done. My staff has been my rock. Most have been here for years, and I’m always learning from them. “Since he began working at Trinity-Pawling in 2002, he has become nearly synonymous with the School in the eyes of the students and his colleagues. He epitomizes the ideals of hard work, an ethos of effort, and kindness that the School espouses and seeks to develop in its students. One might even suggest that he has begun to take on the appearance of a friendly version of our mascot, the Lion. On behalf of the entire Trinity-Pawling community, it is my pleasure to present this year’s Dunbar Award for Service to our Gentle Lion, Chris Dunbar Burke or just ‘Burkey’.” — HEAD OF SCHOOL BILL TAYLOR AT THE TRINITY-PAWLING SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT ON MAY 28, 2022

50 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

I sense a symbiotic relationship: you take care of the School; the School takes care of you. I knew nothing about prep schools until I joined the maintenance staff. My wife, Val, started working in the admissions office at Hotchkiss that same year. My son C.J. came here in seventh grade and graduated in 2009. We’re incredibly indebted for that opportunity. Val was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. The T-P community was incredible; they stepped up immediately to take care of us. Katie Berlandi P’27 set up a weekly meal train that sustained us for at least six months. I’m grateful for everything the School has given me and my family — that motivates me to keep working hard.

You had quite a run in late May 2022: you received the Dunbar Award for Service to the Community at Commencement, and you were recognized with a standing ovation for 20 years of employment at the end-of-the-year dinner. It was both an honor and humbling to achieve these milestones. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this place. To earn the Dunbar Award while my parents were still alive means a lot to me. My middle name is Dunbar, in fact! Trinity-Pawling has been my life for the past 20 years. It’s more than a job; it’s my extended family.

Trinity-Pawling Fall 2022 Magazine

Articles inside

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